Post by : Maya Rahman

Two Australian women cricketers, part of the visiting squad for the ICC Women’s World Cup, experienced an unsettling incident in Indore on Thursday. The players were making their way from their hotel to a café when they encountered trouble, prompting them to issue an SOS alert that initiated a rapid response from local authorities.

Following the event, Danny Simmons, the Australian team's security manager, lodged a complaint at the MIG police station that same evening. This led to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) and a promise from the police to investigate thoroughly, ensuring the players' safety while pursuing the alleged offender.

As reported by Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi, the players were walking on Khajrana Road when they noticed a man on a motorcycle trailing them. The suspect allegedly made inappropriate contact with one of the athletes before fleeing the scene. The players quickly summoned their team security officer for help.

In collaboration with local security personnel, Danny Simmons organized immediate support for the players. Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra met the athletes, documented their testimonies, and prioritized the investigation. The FIR cites Section 74 (criminal force to outrage modesty) and Section 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

A witness was able to record the motorcycle's number, leading to the arrest of Aqeel Khan, the suspect. It was confirmed that Khan has a history of criminal offenses, and investigation efforts continue.

While residing at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Indore with their teammates, the Australian players are now under heightened security measures to maintain their safety during the tournament.

Authorities have affirmed their commitment to accountability, with ongoing investigations into CCTV evidence and witness interviews, collaborating with the Australian squad to mitigate the risk of similar incidents. The active investigation is set to continue, focusing on questioning the suspect and any potential accomplices, with swift legal action anticipated to ensure justice for the athletes.