It was a bright Thursday morning in Indore when two Australian women cricketers, in town for the ICC Women&rsquo;s Cricket World Cup, decided to step out for coffee. What should have been an ordinary walk from their hotel to a nearby caf&eacute; turned into a distressing encounter that has reignited concerns over women&rsquo;s safety in Indian cities.
According to police sources, the players had left the Radisson Blu Hotel around mid-morning, strolling along the Khajrana Road area, when a man on a motorcycle began following them. The stranger, later identified as Aqeel Khan, reportedly stalked and molested one of the women before speeding away.
Startled and shaken, the duo immediately contacted their team&rsquo;s security officer, Danny Simmons, who coordinated with local liaison officers to ensure their safety. The police were soon alerted, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra met the players to record their statements.
An FIR was registered under Sections 74 (outraging a woman&rsquo;s modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the MIG Police Station.
A breakthrough came swiftly when a bystander noted down the motorcycle&rsquo;s registration number, enabling police to trace and arrest the suspect. Officers confirmed that Khan already had prior criminal records, and investigations into his background are continuing.
The incident occurred just two days before Australia&rsquo;s top-of-the-table clash against South Africa, casting a shadow over the otherwise spirited cricket atmosphere in Indore.
Local activists and residents have since voiced frustration over recurring cases of street harassment, particularly in urban centres. The case once again underlines the persistent challenge of ensuring women&rsquo;s security&mdash;even for foreign visitors&mdash;despite repeated promises of vigilance and reform.
For Indore, a city known for its hospitality and cleanliness, this crime serves as a stark reminder that public safety and civic image go hand in hand, and both must be upheld with equal resolve.

Police arrest man for stalking and molesting visiting Australian players in Indore

Australian women cricketers molested in Indore

Police arrest man for stalking and molesting visiting Australian players in Indore

October 25, 2025 | 19:27 IST