New Delhi, Oct 25 (NationPress) In a deeply troubling incident that has ignited global outrage, two Australian women cricketers were reportedly molested and inappropriately touched by a motorcyclist in Indore on Thursday morning while they were en route to a nearby café.

This occurrence, coinciding with the ongoing Women’s World Cup, has unleashed a torrent of criticism on social media and raised serious concerns about women's safety in India from international media outlets.

Cricket Australia confirmed the distressing event in an official statement, asserting, “CA can confirm that two members of the Australian Women’s team were approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist while heading to a café in Indore. The matter has been reported by team security to local law enforcement, who are actively addressing the situation.”

According to police reports, the incident transpired around 11 a.m. near Khajrana Road. The suspect, identified as Aqeel Khan, allegedly trailed the two players on his motorcycle, inappropriately assaulted one of them, and subsequently escaped. Effective coordination between the Australian team’s security officer, Danny Simmons, and local police led to a rapid investigation. CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and hotel records were instrumental in tracing and apprehending the suspect within a day.

Authorities disclosed that Khan, who was operating a black motorcycle, has prior criminal charges against him. A First Information Report was lodged under Section 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and Section 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The Madhya Pradesh police confirmed that a bystander who recorded the motorcycle's registration number was crucial in pinpointing the perpetrator. “The vehicle and description of the suspect matched the details provided by witnesses,” an officer stated, noting that further investigations are underway.

This incident has drawn widespread condemnation from both domestic and international communities. Numerous foreign media outlets have questioned how India, set to host significant tournaments in the coming years, can ensure the safety of visiting players if such occurrences take place in broad daylight.

Social media users expressed their outrage, with hashtags like #ShameInIndore and #WomenSafetyInIndia trending across various platforms. Many are calling for stricter preventive measures and greater accountability from local authorities.

In response to the outcry, Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya described the act as “a stain on India’s image.” He stated, “This is not merely misbehavior towards a woman player but an affront to our nation. The strictest possible actions must be taken to deter anyone from tarnishing India’s reputation again.”

He reiterated that the state government upholds a zero-tolerance policy regarding crimes against women and assured that the accused would face punitive measures “that serve as a warning to others.”

The Australian team, currently in Indore for a critical group-stage match against South Africa, has reportedly received enhanced security following the incident. Nevertheless, this unsettling episode has overshadowed what has otherwise been a closely contested Women’s World Cup, reigniting global concerns about the safety of women athletes in India.