A disturbing incident in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has raised serious concerns about women’s safety and international sports security. Two Australian women cricketers were allegedly stalked and molested by a man while returning to their hotel after visiting a café on Ring Road around 11 a.m. on Thursday.

The accused was later identified as Mohammad Aqueel Khan, a resident of Azadnagar. His arrest followed an intensive police operation launched soon after a complaint was lodged by the Australian team’s security officials. He has been charged under Sections 74 and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—for assault or criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, and stalking.

According to police, a bystander noted the suspect’s motorcycle number, helping officers trace and apprehend him quickly.
“We had received a complaint from the Australian security team that two players faced inappropriate behaviour while returning to the hotel from a café. A case was registered on Thursday night, and the accused has been arrested under an intensive strategic operation,” said Rajesh Dandotiya, Additional DCP, Crime Branch, Indore.

The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) described the episode as “unfortunate” and confirmed that an internal review is underway to examine how the players left the security cordon. The victims are part of the Australian women’s team participating in the ICC Women’s World Cup, staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel with teammates.

Their security manager, Danny Simmons, filed a complaint at the MIG police station on Thursday evening. As per the FIR, the incident occurred at around 11 a.m., when the two players stepped out of the hotel to visit a nearby café. Simmons, responsible for team safety, told police he received a live-location alert from one of the players at 11:08 a.m., signaling distress.

The message read, “Hey SoS, just sending you my live location… there’s a guy following us trying to grab us.” The players were barely 500 metres from the hotel when one of them reported that a man on a motorcycle had approached and attempted to touch one of them inappropriately. Both women resisted, prompting the man to flee.

Witnesses described the suspect as around 30 years old, wearing a white shirt and black cap, and riding a black motorcycle without a helmet. Liaison officers and a police patrol unit responded immediately, escorting the players safely back to their hotel.

The player later texted Simmons again, confirming that local police had arrived and ensured their safe return. A written complaint was subsequently filed the same night, and the FIR was registered at 10:24 p.m. Police later examined CCTV footage, which led to Khan’s identification and arrest.

The Australian team has been in Indore since October 17 for their World Cup fixtures. Rajesh Dandotiya confirmed that authorities are investigating whether there were any lapses in the security arrangements for the visiting team.

MPCA Chief Administrative Officer Rohit Pandit expressed concern over procedural oversights.
“It is indeed an unfortunate incident in a city that is otherwise considered very safe for women. There are several factors that need to be examined in this case, especially given that the team has a dedicated security officer from Cricket Australia, in addition to two security officers appointed by the BCCI and local police presence at the hotel. We are not aware of the players having left the premises without informing or seeking permission from the security team,” said Pandit.

The incident has shocked both the sporting community and the public. It has triggered questions about whether international teams in India receive adequate on-ground protection despite assigned security staff. Police officials have assured that stringent action will be taken and that the investigation will review every aspect of security oversight to prevent similar lapses in future.