Were There Any Failures in Security Protocols Related to the Australian Women Cricketers' Incident?
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Indore, Oct 25 (NationPress) Following the apprehension of a man accused of molesting two Australian women cricketers who are part of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in Indore, police announced on Saturday that they are investigating potential flaws in the existing security protocols.
Rajesh Dandotiya, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for the Crime Branch, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, identified as Aqeel Khan.
When questioned about the security measures provided to the Australian female cricketers, Dandotiya mentioned that police protection was upheld in accordance with the standard protocols both within the hotel and in the surrounding area.
“Teams also maintain their own security personnel, and discussions had taken place to ensure compliance with the protocols. There may have been an issue with coordination between the Indore Police and the team’s security staff, and this aspect is currently under investigation,” he stated.
In response to inquiries about whether police protection was available to the women players while they were away from their hotel, DCP Dandotiya affirmed that a team of Indore Police officials was stationed at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
“A meeting was conducted with the Australian team's security staff, and protocols were established. We are currently evaluating if there were any deficiencies in the security measures,” he reiterated.
A police representative noted that an FIR had been filed, leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect through an Intensive Strategic Operation. The suspect, Khan, is a resident of Azadnagar.
Khan has been charged under the relevant sections of the BNS law. The incident transpired around 11 a.m. on Thursday when the two cricketers, who were staying at the hotel with their team, ventured out for a walk to a nearby café on Khajrana Road.
Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi reported that a man on a motorcycle began to follow them and allegedly made inappropriate contact with one of the players before fleeing the scene.
The players promptly informed their team’s security manager, Danny Simmons, who coordinated with local security forces and arranged for assistance. An SOS was also activated via the team’s alert system, prompting an immediate police response.
Subsequently, Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra met with the players to document their statements.
This incident occurred just two days prior to a crucial match between Australia and South Africa in the ongoing World Cup. The team had arrived in Indore a week earlier and had already faced England on Wednesday.