Two members of the Australian women’s cricket team were allegedly harassed and “inappropriately touched” by a motorcyclist while walking to a cafe in Indore on October 23, Cricket Australia confirmed on Saturday. The team is in India for the ongoing Women’s World Cup.
“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 matter was reported by team security to police, who are handling the matter,” Cricket Australia said in a statement, as quoted by Fox Sports Australia.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed his disappointment over the incident and commended the swift response of the local authorities. “Very unfortunate incident, and this type of incident brings disrepute. I appreciate the State police for their prompt action to nab the culprit. Let the law take its course to punish the culprit,” he stated.
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Indore’s Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), Rajesh Dandotiyan, confirmed the arrest of the accused, Aqueel, following an Intensive Strategic Operation. “The Security officers of the women's Australian Cricket Team filed a complaint that two members of the team faced inappropriate behaviour. An FIR was registered, and the accused was identified and arrested following an Intensive Strategic Operation. The accused Aqueel is a resident of Azadnagar,” he said.
The police officer added that the incident occurred around 11 am on October 23 when the cricketers were walking from their hotel to a café. “He has been charged under sections 74 and 78 of the BNS. We are examining if there were any shortfalls in the security protocols,” Dandotiyan said.
The swift action by the police and cooperation from the team’s security personnel was praised by both Cricket Australia and the BCCI. The authorities continue to ensure the safety of international players during the ongoing tournament.
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