Australian cricketers' molestation: BCCI condemns incident in strong words
What's the story
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strongly condemned the "unfortunate" incident where two Australian women cricketers were allegedly molested in Indore. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed his displeasure over the incident and praised local police for their swift action. He told ANI, "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."
Incident overview
Details of the incident
The incident took place on Thursday at around 11am when the two Australian cricketers were walking to a cafe from their hotel. Indore's Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rajesh Dandotiyan, confirmed that an FIR was registered after the team's security officers complained about "inappropriate behavior." The accused is identified as Aqeel Khan of Azadnagar.
Official statement
Cricket Australia's statement
Cricket Australia confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the players were "approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist." The matter was reported by the team's security to the police. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts helped identify and arrest Khan. He has been charged under sections 74 (outraging a woman's modesty) and 78 (stalking) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Government response
Madhya Pradesh minister demands strict action
Madhya Pradesh state minister Kailash Vijayvargiya condemned the incident, calling it a "stain on India's image." He stressed the state's zero-tolerance policy toward such behavior and demanded strict action against those responsible. The Australian women's team is currently in Indore for a league stage match against South Africa in the Women's World Cup.