Police announced on Sunday the successful apprehension of Aqeel Sheikh, the individual accused of molesting and stalking two Australian women cricketers in Indore. The arrest was the result of a meticulous six-hour operation.
Aqeel Sheikh has been placed in police custody for two days by the MIG Police Station. Authorities have confirmed that Sheikh possesses a prior criminal record. He has been charged under Sections 74 and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to CB Singh, the in-charge of MIG Police Station, the incident report was filed by the Australian team’s security in-charge. The charges relate to inappropriate behavior and stalking. “We arrested the accused named Aqueel Sheikh, who has a criminal background,” stated additional deputy commissioner of police (crime branch), Rajesh Dandotiya. “He appeared before the court yesterday, and we are interrogating him. After completing today’s police remand, we will present him before the court, seeking judicial remand.”
What Happened?
The incident occurred on October 23rd around 11 AM when two Australian cricketers left their hotel to visit a cafe before their match against South Africa. They reported being subjected to inappropriate touching.
The cricketers immediately informed their security officer, Danny Simmons, leading to a complaint being lodged at the MIG road police station. Police are also reviewing the security protocols to identify any potential lapses.
Political Reactions
The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) strongly condemned the incident. The event also sparked a political debate regarding women’s safety in the country. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed her dismay on X, highlighting the need for safer spaces for women. Congress state unit president Jitendra Patwari also condemned the actions of the alleged perpetrator.
Related Links
- Indore man stalks and molests Australian women cricketers playing in World Cup, arrested after official complaint
- Incident brings disrepute; BCCI condemns molestation of Australian cricketers in Indore
- Shameful political slugfest over molestation of Australian cricketers in MP’s Indore: BJP, Congress, TMC