Online Desk: Two members of Australia`s women`s cricket team were allegedly molested by a motorcyclist in the Indian city of Indore on Thursday morning. The incident occurred as the players were walking to a café near their hotel on Ring Road. They are in the city for their final league match of the Women`s World Cup against South Africa on Saturday.
According to reports, both players were `touched inappropriately` by a man on a motorcycle. Cricket Australia confirmed the incident in an official statement.
`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 statement said. `The matter was reported by team security to police, who are handling the matter.` The Australian team`s security manager, Danny Simmons, lodged a formal complaint at the MIG police station later that night.
Fans and experts are raising serious questions about security measures at one of cricket’s biggest events, expressing outrage over how such an incident could occur on Indian soil. India facing a serious problem with sexual violence, with over 35,000 reported rape cases, though many go unreported due to stigma and fear. Most assaults occur in familiar spaces rather than public areas.
Deep-rooted patriarchal norms, gender inequality, weak law enforcement, and social stigma contribute to the crisis, while factors like poverty and alcohol abuse also play a role. Indian government has taken steps to address issue, including the 2013 Criminal Law (Amendment), fast-track courts, and the Nirbhaya Fund, along with awareness campaigns and safety initiatives.
The Times of India has reported that police identified the suspect as 30-year-old Akil Khan He was arrested following a search operation on Thursday evening. Indore`s additional DCP Rajesh Dandotiya said the arrest came after swift coordination between police and Australian security staff. `We had received a complaint from the Australian security team that two players faced inappropriate behaviour while returning to the hotel from a café,` Dandotiya said.
`A case was registered on Thursday night, and the accused has been arrested under an intensive strategic operation.` Indian authorities have reportedly given assurances to the team that their safety will be maintained for the rest of the tour. Australia currently sit atop the World Cup points table but still need a win to lock in first place.
