Two members of the Australian women’s cricket squad, currently in Indore for the ICC Women’s World Cup, were reportedly stalked, and one of them molested, by a man riding a motorcycle, according to local police on Saturday, October 25.

The incident took place on Thursday morning along Khajrana Road, while the players were heading from their hotel to a nearby café. “The two cricketers had stepped out of their hotel and were walking towards a cafe when a man on a motorcycle started following them. He allegedly touched one of them inappropriately and rode off,” said Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi.

FIR Registered

After the attack, the cricketers contacted their team security officer, Danny Simmons, who immediately coordinated with local security personnel and arranged a vehicle to escort them safely. Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra later met the players, recorded their statements, and filed a First Information Report (FIR).

The FIR was lodged under Section 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and Section 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the MIG police station. Authorities said a bystander noted the motorcycle number, which helped police quickly track down and arrest the suspect, Aqeel Khan, on Friday.

Raghuvanshi added, “Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him, and an investigation is on in the case.”

The Australian players were staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel with the rest of their squad. They had played England a day before the incident and are scheduled to face South Africa in a crucial group-stage match at Holkar Stadium, which could determine the top position in the tournament standings.

The team’s management has confirmed that all security protocols were followed after the cricketers reported the incident.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about women’s safety in public spaces. Ultramarathon runner Ashwini Ganapathi previously told India Today that women in India face harassment on the streets and that administrative shortcomings contribute to the societal stigma victims often endure.