Two Australian women cricketers were inappropriately touched by a motorcyclist in Indore.
Cricket Australia on Saturday (October 25) confirmed that two members of their women’s cricket team were allegedly “approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist" in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
The incident took place on Thursday (October 23), two days before Australia's top-of-the-table encounter with South Africa in the ongoing Women’s World Cup.
“CA can confirm two members of the Australian Women’s team were approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist while walking to a cafe in Indore. The matter was reported by team security to police, who are handling the matter," CA said in a statement.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla expressed his displeasure over the entire episode, and commended the state police for their swift action.
"It's an unfortunate incident; such things should never happen. The accused has already been arrested. No amount of condemnation is enough for this incident. The police are conducting their investigation, and the BCCI will do whatever is required from our side. We will continue to take precautions going forward," Shukla said while speaking to India Today.
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar also condemned the heinous incident towards the Australian women’s cricketers in Indore, citing that such behaviour runs contrary to India's cultural ethos and values.
"Yes, I think because we are famous for Atithi Devo Bhava, to hear of this is very, very sad. It is, without question, a heinous incident. The law will take its course for sure, but I do hope that the guilty person is punished severely - you lock him up and throw away the keys. That's the only way, I think. Just lock him up and throw the keys away," Gavaskar told India Today.
Meanwhile, Indore's Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Addl DCP, Crime Branch), Rajesh Dandotiyan, confirmed that the accused, Aqueel, was identified and arrested following an Intensive Strategic Operation.
"The Security officers of the women's Australian Cricket Team filed a complaint that two members of the team faced inappropriate behaviour. An FIR was registered, and the accused was identified and arrested following an Intensive Strategic Operation. The accused Aqueel is a resident of Azadnagar," Dandotiyan told news agency ANI.
"He has been charged under sections 74 and 78 of the BNS. The incident occurred around 11 am on October 23, when members of the women's Australian Cricket Team were walking towards a cafe from their hotel. We are examining if there were any shortfalls in the security protocols," he added.