Indore Man Arrested After Australian Women Cricketers Stalked

On 23 October in Indore, two members of Australia’s women’s cricket team were stalked and one was touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist while walking from their hotel to a café the morning after Australia’s match against England in the ICC Women’s World Cup. The players sent an SOS to team security officer Danny Simmons, who coordinated with local liaison officers; Assistant Commissioner Himani Mishra recorded their statements and FIRs were filed under Sections 74 (outraging modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A bystander noted the motorcycle’s registration, helping police trace and arrest the suspect identified as Aqeel/Aqueel Khan; investigators said CCTV, hotel records and witness statements were used and that the suspect has prior criminal cases. Cricket Australia confirmed the incident was reported to police, while the BCCI and public figures including Sunil Gavaskar and MP Priyanka Chaturvedi condemned the episode and thanked police for prompt action. Authorities have increased security around the tournament ahead of Australia’s next group game against South Africa, and investigations are ongoing.