The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia was particularly displeased with the "unfortunate" incident in Indore, where it was reported that two Australian women cricketers were subjected to inappropriate behaviour while they were out of their team hotel during the Women's World Cup. Saikia commended the State Police for their efficient work and quoted him as saying, "A very unfortunate incident, and these kinds of incidents lead to disrepute. I really thank the State Police for their quick action in catching the offender. Let the law be the judge in punishing the offender."
Incident details and Police response, prompted by BCCI
According to Indore’s Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Addl DCP, Crime Branch) Rajesh Dandotiyan, the incident occurred on October 23 around 11 am, when the two Australian cricketers left their hotel to visit a cafe. During this time, they allegedly faced inappropriate behaviour from the accused, Aqeel, a resident of Azad Nagar.
“The security officers of the women’s Australian Cricket Team filed a complaint. An FIR was registered, and the accused was identified and arrested following an Intensive Strategic Operation,” Dandotiyan said. Aqeel has been charged under sections 74 and 78 of the BNS, and authorities are reviewing potential gaps in security protocols that may have contributed to the incident.
The matter also drew political attention, with Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi calling the act “disgraceful” and highlighting the failure to provide safe spaces for women. She tweeted, “Disgraceful. We boast about economic growth, but, we continue to fail providing safe spaces for women. What a shameful act.”
The Indore Police continue to investigate the incident and the security arrangements, ensuring that accountability and preventive measures are enforced.
