Two members of the Australian women’s cricket team taking part in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup were reportedly followed, and one of them was molested, by a man on a motorcycle in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, police said on Saturday.
According to officials quoted by PTI, the incident occurred on Thursday morning on Khajrana Road when the players had stepped out of their hotel and were walking to a nearby café. A man riding a motorcycle began tailing them and allegedly touched one of the cricketers inappropriately before fleeing, said Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi.
The players immediately informed their team’s security officer, Danny Simmons, who alerted local liaison officials and arranged transport for their safety. Following the report, Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra met the players, took their statements, and initiated a formal investigation.
An FIR was lodged 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. A witness managed to record the motorcycle’s license number, leading to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Akil Khan, on Friday.
Police said the accused has a criminal history and is now under further investigation. “Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him, and an investigation is on in the case,” ACP Mishra confirmed.
The news surfaced just hours before Australia’s final group-stage match against South Africa at Holkar Stadium in Indore. Both sides have already secured their spots in the semi-finals, but the result of the match will determine who finishes at the top of the table.
Australia currently leads the standings with 11 points from six games, followed closely by South Africa with 10. A win for the Proteas would move them to first place, while any other result will keep the standings unchanged. The outcome is also crucial for India, as the group winner will face the Indian women’s team in the semi-final.
