Mumbai, Oct 25 — BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia issued a statement on Saturday condemning the molestation of two unnamed Australian women cricketers in Indore. Saikia called the incident “a deeply regrettable and isolated” event and reaffirmed India’s zero‑tolerance policy against any form of sexual assault.
The attack happened early on Thursday. While the Australian players were walking from their hotel to a café, a motorcyclist followed them, touched one of the women inappropriately, and fled. The pair called their team’s security officer, who coordinated with local police and security staff. Video footage, hotel logs and police testimony led to the arrest of the accused, Aqeel Khan, by the Madhya Pradesh Police on Khajrana Road.
Saikia thanked the police for their swift action. “The law will take its due course to ensure justice,” he said. “We will review our existing safety protocols and strengthen them further if needed to prevent any repeat of such incidents.”
The Australian side is in Indore for a key group‑stage match against South Africa. They won that game by seven wickets, with Alana King taking an unbeaten 7‑for‑18 at Holkar Stadium. However, the incident has put a shadow over the Women’s ODI World Cup, raising fresh concerns about the safety of female athletes in India.
BCCI officials promised additional security for the visiting teams and said they would revamp safety procedures. Saikia emphasised that India is known for its hospitality but that the country’s guests should never face such violations.
The incident has sparked nationwide outrage. Former players, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association, and other cricket bodies joined the BCCI in calling the event “highly regrettable.”
The police have taken the accused into custody, and the case is now proceeding through the legal system. The Australian team’s remaining World Cup fixtures are expected to continue with strengthened security measures.
Source: ianslive
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