A shocking incident of stalking and sexual harassment involving two Australian women cricketers in Indore on Thursday (October 23) has raised serious concerns over the safety of foreign athletes in India, especially amid the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
According to police, the accused, identified as Aqeel Khan, followed the players on a motorcycle while they were walking from the Radisson Blu Hotel to a nearby cafe in the Khajrana Road locality. He then reportedly touched one of the players inappropriately before fleeing the scene.
A bystander, who witnessed the incident, managed to note down the registration number of the motorcycle, which later helped the police trace and arrest the accused.
Players sent distress signal to security officer
The matter came to light when the cricketers immediately sent a distress message and live location to their team’s security manager, Danny Simmons, around 11:08 a.m. “They were terrified and reported that a man was following and trying to grab them,” an officer familiar with the complaint said.
Simmons quickly coordinated with local police and the team’s liaison officers, dispatching a vehicle to the players location while informing the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Himani Mishra.
Police action and arrest under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Following the complaint, police retrieved CCTV footage from the surrounding area and launched an immediate probe. The suspect was identified and arrested later that evening.
The MIG Police Station registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Sections 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the newly implemented Indian criminal code replacing the IPC.
Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi confirmed that the accused, Aqeel Khan, is a repeat offender with multiple prior criminal cases. “Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him, and an investigation is on,” she said, as quoted by India Today.
Police and BCCI officials condemn the incident
ACP Himani Mishra personally visited the cricketers to record their statements and assured them of complete cooperation and safety for the remainder of their stay in Indore.
Expressing concern, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia condemned the incident and appreciated the promptness of the Madhya Pradesh Police.
“It is a very unfortunate incident. This type of incident brings disrepute. We appreciate the State Police for their prompt action to nab the culprit. Let the law take its course,” Saikia told ANI.
Impact on India’s image as global sporting destination
The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with many pointing out that such occurrences could tarnish India’s image as a safe and reliable international sporting destination. With India hosting major global tournaments, including the ICC Women’s World Cup, the case has prompted renewed debate on the adequacy of security protocols for women athletes, particularly foreigners.
While police acted swiftly to apprehend the accused, the need for enhanced surveillance, gender-sensitive policing, and real-time monitoring of athletes’ movement during global events.
Team Australia to continue World Cup schedule
Despite the unfortunate incident, the Australian women’s team has chosen to continue its World Cup campaign. The players, who had defeated England a day prior to the incident, are set to face South Africa at Holkar Stadium on Saturday before proceeding to Guwahati or Mumbai for the semi-finals, depending on their next opponent.
Local police have reportedly beefed up security arrangements around the Radisson Blu Hotel and match venues to ensure the team’s safety during the remainder of their stay in Indore.
Broader Concern: Women’s safety in public spaces
Though the accused was swiftly arrested, the incident underscores persistent challenges around women’s safety in public areas, an issue that continues to dominate public discourse in India. The case has once again brought focus to the need for visible patrolling, community vigilance, and coordination between police and sports authorities during international events.
As India aspires to host more global sporting tournaments and attract international tourists, incidents like this highlight the urgent need to strengthen on-ground security frameworks and rebuild global confidence in the country’s commitment to ensuring the safety of women, both citizens and guests.
The Indore stalking and molestation case involving two Australian cricketers has sparked widespread outrage and raised critical questions about India’s preparedness to host international events safely. While Madhya Pradesh Police’s quick action earned praise, the incident stands as a stark reminder of the larger issue of women’s safety in public spaces and the need for comprehensive security reforms during major sporting tournaments.
