Two members of the Australian women’s cricket team, currently participating in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, were allegedly stalked, and one of them molested by a man on a motorcycle in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, police said on Saturday.
According to officials quoted by news agency PTI, the incident occurred on Thursday morning along Khajrana Road, when the two players had stepped out of their hotel and were walking towards a nearby café.
A man on a motorcycle reportedly began following them and then touched one of the cricketers inappropriately before speeding away from the scene, said Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi.
The players immediately alerted their team’s security officer, Danny Simmons, who contacted local security liaison officers and arranged a vehicle for their safety.
Following the complaint, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Himani Mishra met the players, recorded their statements, and assured them of prompt action.
An FIR was subsequently registered at the MIG Police Station under Sections 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
A bystander who witnessed the incident managed to note down the motorcycle’s registration number, which helped police identify and apprehend the accused, Akil Khan, on Friday. “Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him, and an investigation is ongoing,” said Sub-Inspector Raghuvanshi, confirming the arrest.
The disturbing incident came just hours before Australia’s final group-stage match against South Africa at Indore’s Holkar Stadium. Both teams have already qualified for the semi-finals, but Saturday’s result could determine the top position in the group.
Australia currently lead the standings with 11 points from six matches, followed closely by South Africa with 10 points. The match result holds additional significance for the Indian women’s team, as the group winner will face India in the semi-final.
