Web Desk; Indian police have arrested a man accused of stalking and inappropriately touching two Australian cricketers participating in the ICC Women’s World Cup in Madhya Pradesh. Officials confirmed the arrest on Saturday, following the incident that took place in Indore on Thursday morning.
According to police, the two players were leaving their hotel for a nearby café when they were allegedly approached and harassed by a motorcyclist. The incident occurred just a day after Australia’s six-wicket win against England in the group stage of the tournament.
Rajesh Dandotiya, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, told the Indian news agency ANI that a complaint had been lodged by the team’s security officers. “A First Information Report (FIR) was registered, and the accused was identified and arrested following an intensive strategic operation,” he said.
The suspect, a 30-year-old man with a prior criminal record, has been charged under sections 74 and 78 of India’s criminal code, which relate to assault or use of criminal force with intent to outrage a woman’s modesty and stalking. Dandotiya said authorities were also reviewing whether there had been any lapses in security arrangements.
Cricket Australia confirmed the incident, stating that the matter was promptly reported to local police and was being handled by them. “The matter was reported by team security to police, who are handling the case,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia described the incident as “deeply regrettable and isolated.” He praised the swift response of the Madhya Pradesh police and assured that the board would strengthen existing safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Times of India reported that one of the players had sent a distress message to the team’s security manager, saying, “There is a guy following us trying to grab us.” Team officials immediately reached the scene and assisted the players, after which police escorted them safely back to their hotel.
Despite significant progress in gender equality and women’s empowerment, India continues to struggle with high rates of violence against women. According to national crime statistics, nearly 90 rape cases are reported daily across the country.
