Australian woman cricketer sexually harassed ahead of world cup match in Indore
The cricketer along with a teammate was returning to Hotel Radisson Blu from a cafe when the accused began following them on a bike
Bhopal: An international woman cricketer from Australia was allegedly sexually harassed by a 30-year-old man in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on Thursday night, during her stay in the city for a Women’s World Cup match , police said.
Police arrested one accused, identified as Aqueel Sheikh, a resident of Azad Nagar in Indore on Friday evening on the complaint of security officer Danny Simmons, at MIG road police station, said Santosh Singh, commissioner of police, Indore.
The cricketer along with a teammate was returning to Hotel Radisson Blu from a cafe at around 11 pm on Thursday when Khan in a white shirt and a black cap began following them on a bike. The accused inappropriately touched her before running away from the spot.
One of the players sent a message to Simmons and also shared their live location. Simmons alerted the Indian officials and sent a car to bring the players safely to the hotel.
A team was formed with officers from five police stations to nab the accused. Police identified the accused, a resident of Azad Nagar, on the basis of CCTV footage of the spot.
Indore crime branch additional superintendent of police (ASP) Rajesh Dandotiya said Sheikh has a criminal background. “He was booked in 12 different cases of theft, robbery, voluntarily causing hurt, house trespassing and under Arms Act in nine police stations in the past 13 years,” he added.
“When police team tried to nab him, he tried to escape but he fell and got injured in his leg and hand. He confessed the crime and said he was just saying hello to them out of curiosity,” said the ASP.
The FIR has been registered under sections 74 (outrage modesty of women) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The fifth match of the Women’s World Cup will be played on Saturday at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.
The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) said the association apologised to the players for this “deeply distressing and unfortunate incident”.
“No woman should ever have to endure such trauma, and our thoughts and support are with those impacted by this distressing incident. This unfortunate event has deeply affected everyone who cherishes the values of respect, safety, and dignity of women,” said a statement issued by MPCA.
“It is truly inspiring to see the players rise above this painful experience and continue to compete with courage and determination, carrying the pride of their nation on their shoulders in the match against South Africa on Saturday,” said the statement.
"Over the years, Indore is rated as a safe venue for the visiting teams and dignitaries from other countries as well. It is deeply painful that the disorderly action of one individual has caused such harm and cast a shadow over the city's image," it added.
MPCA further said that local police and administration have consistently demonstrated diligence in ensuring player security during all official movements. "During this tournaments too, teams were provided adequate security for their visits to venues such as the Mahakal temple and various recreation place chosen by the team/players."
MPCA said it is also examining whether the players had sought security cover for the movement outside hotel or whether the movement occurred in absence of any request for security.
A senior district administrative officer, who did not wish to be named, said, “There was a fixed protocol for security of international teams’ players. There is a provision of sharing prior information before visiting any place. But the unfortunate incident happened due to some lapses in following the protocol as security officials and police were not aware of their movement outside the hotel.”
Urban development minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said, “It was an unfortunate incident and the accused will be given tough punishment for causing insult to our country, state and the city.”
