Shocker In Indore: Australian Women's World Cup Stars Allegedly Molested, Accused Arrested
Two Australian players, who are in India to play the ICC Women's World Cup, were allegedly molested in Indore while walking from their hotel to a cafe on Thursday
- Two Australian women cricketers were allegedly molested in Indore while walking to a cafe
- The players sent an SOS notification and security officers responded promptly to the incident
- Police registered an FIR and arrested the accused, Aqeel Khan
As Indore's Holkar Stadium geared up for one of the most anticipated clashes of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup — Australia vs South Africa — the city woke up to a chilling incident that has shaken its reputation for hospitality and safety. Two members of the Australian women's cricket team were allegedly molested on Thursday morning while walking from Hotel Radisson Blu to a nearby cafe, The Neighborhood, on Khajrana Road. The accused, later identified as Aqeel, reportedly followed the players on a bike before inappropriately touching one of them and fleeing the scene.
According to sources, the incident took place around 11 a.m. The terrified players immediately sent an emergency message and live location to their team's security officer, Danny Simmons. “I was reading their message when one of the players called me, crying. She told me what had happened. We immediately dispatched a car and brought them safely to the hotel,” Simmons said.
A bystander noted the suspect's bike number, which later helped police track him down through CCTV footage.
The MIG Police Station filed an FIR based on the complaint from Simmons. In a rare show of urgency, five police stations — Vijay Nagar, MIG, Khajrana, Pardeshipura, and Kanadiya — were roped in for a coordinated manhunt. Within six hours, the accused Aqeel, a resident of Khajrana with prior criminal records, was arrested from Azad Nagar.
Additional DCP (Crime Branch) Rajesh Dandotiya confirmed the arrest and said, “A case was registered on the basis of the complaint received from the Australian team's security officer. The accused was identified through CCTV footage and arrested within hours. He has a prior criminal record. We are examining any lapse in security protocol.”
The shocking incident has prompted a major overhaul of player security ahead of today's semifinal-deciding clash between Australia and South Africa. Police Commissioner Santosh Singh expressed anger over the lapse and reprimanded the Intelligence Wing. Extra forces have been deployed along the route from the team hotel to Holkar Stadium.
The incident has triggered political outrage. Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya called it “a matter of national honor,” promising the harshest punishment. BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma echoed the sentiment and said, “This incident has shamed Indore. Whether the daughter is from Australia or England, her safety is our responsibility. Strict action will be taken, and NSA proceedings will be initiated against Aqeel. The molestation of an Australian woman cricketer is unfortunate and shameful. The government acted swiftly and caught the culprit. Aqeel conspired to defame Indore, a city known worldwide for its cleanliness and culture.”
Mahaanaryaman Scindia, President of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA), said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened, shocked, and appalled by this unfortunate incident. No woman should have to endure such behavior. It is extremely painful for the players, for the sports community, and for the people of Indore. One person's act has tarnished the city's image of warmth and respect.”
Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari said, “Indore is known for its hospitality, but this raises serious questions about law and order. The fear of police has vanished in Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Minister, who is also the Home Minister, must answer who was responsible and what went wrong.”
Indore—once celebrated as India's cleanest and most welcoming city—is now under global scrutiny for a crime that has left a stain far deeper than any defeat on the pitch.
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