Daijiworld Media Network - Indore
Indore, Oct 26: A 29-year-old habitual offender, identified as Aqeel alias Nitra, has been arrested for allegedly molesting two Australian women cricketers in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The accused, who has a lengthy criminal record, was recently released from Bhairavgarh jail after serving a 10-year term.
Police revealed that Aqeel has at least 10 criminal cases registered against him, including charges of molestation, robbery, assault, and attempted murder. He has also faced charges under the Arms Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Aqeel worked as a painter, while his parents are daily-wage labourers.
The incident occurred around 11 am on Thursday, when two Australian cricketers, in the city for the Women’s World Cup, were walking to a nearby café from their hotel. According to a complaint filed by the team’s security in-charge, Danny Simmons, Aqeel approached the players on a bike, tried to grab one of them, and sped away. Moments later, he returned and groped the other player before fleeing the scene.
The terrified cricketers immediately sent an SOS to their security head, prompting swift police action. An extensive manhunt involving five police stations was launched, and CCTV footage helped identify the accused. During the chase, Aqeel attempted to escape through narrow lanes but lost control of his bike and crashed, sustaining fractures to his left hand and right leg.
Additional DCP (Crime) Rajesh Dandotiya confirmed that Aqeel is a repeat offender who has been arrested and jailed multiple times, often committing new crimes while on parole or bail. “He has a history of violent behaviour. In one case, he attacked a couple with a knife and attempted to molest the woman. In another, he tried to snatch a rifle from the police and open fire,” Dandotiya said.
The accused has now been booked under fresh charges of stalking and assaulting women.
The shocking crime, coming as India co-hosts the Women’s Cricket World Cup, has triggered widespread outrage. Madhya Pradesh Sports Minister Vishwas Sarang condemned the incident as “deeply shameful,” assuring that the administration acted swiftly and that “the punishment will be exemplary.”