The man arrested for the alleged sexual harassment of two Australian women cricketers in Indore on Thursday morning is a history-sheeter, a report quoted the Madhya Pradesh Police as saying. The accused Aqueel Khan was nabbed after the number plate of the two-wheeler he rode during the incident was noted and handed over to the law enforcement by an onlooker.
FULL STORY | Women's World Cup: Indore man arrested for stalking, molesting Australian cricketer
The two Australian cricketers, who are in India for the ongoing Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, were harassed while they left their team hotel for a cafe on foot. Following the interaction, the duo were forced to retreat to their accommodation and soon the Australian security team filed a complaint with the police.
The Australian team was staying at Radisson Blu Hotel in Indore, Indian Express said in a report. On Thursday morning, Aqueel Khan stalked and caught up with the two players on the city's Khajrana Road. He touched one of the players inappropriately before speeding off on his motorcycle, the daily quoted the police as saying. The players reacted to his attempt to grab them sternly, which ultimately led to his fleeing.
The inputs the cops received from the players included his attire — a white shirt and black cap, the colour of his ride — black, and his physical attributes. An FIR was registered under sections 74 (assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
With an onlooker also managing to note down the two-wheeler's registration number, the job became easier for the police who had started going through CCTV footage to identify Khan, media reports said. It was after he was nabbed that the police found out that he was not a first-time offender and has several criminal cases registered against him.
#WATCH | Delhi | On alleged molestation of two Australian women cricketers in Indore, Vice-President BCCI, Rajiv Shukla says, "The entire incident is very unfortunate, and we condemn it. We will take all the required precautions. The Police have nabbed the accused." pic.twitter.com/e074RweoqG
— ANI (@ANI) October 25, 2025
Team Australia, favourites to retain the ODI World Cup, have a match against South Africa at Indore on Saturday.
The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association said in a statement that it was "deeply pained and shocked by the disturbing incident of misconduct and inappropriate behaviour with two players from the Australian Women's Cricket Team in Indore. 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 from MPCA who cherishes the values of respect, safety, and dignity of women. 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."
