Man who molested Australian cricketers in Indore a serial offender, spent 10 yrs in jail
Indore: The 29-year-old man, arrested for allegedly molesting two Australian women cricketers in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, is a history-sheeter with a long criminal history, media reports said.
The accused, identified as Aqeel, alias Nitra, was recently released from Bhairavgarh prison after serving a 10-year jail term, according to an NDTV report.
Aqeel has multiple criminal cases, including molestation, mugging, burglary, and attempted murder.
Some of the charges against him go back to 2012.
Apart from the Indian Penal Code, he has also been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the Arms Act, and the anti-drugs law.
He worked as a painter and his father and mother are labourers.
Around 11 a.m. on Thursday, two members of the Australian women’s cricket team, in Indore for a World Cup match, were walking towards a nearby café when they were assaulted by a man identified as Aqeel.
According to a police complaint filed by Danny Simmons, the team’s security in charge, Aqeel approached the players on his bike, tried to grab one of them, and sped away.
He returned shortly after and groped the other cricketer before fleeing the scene.
Unafraid of the consequences, he repeated the offence within minutes, raising concerns about women’s safety in the state.
Terrified, the players immediately sent an SOS to their security head.
Swift police action leads to arrest
Amid backlash, Indore Police launched a swift operation, mobilising officers from five police stations.
A witness managed to record his bike’s number, enabling police to identify and track his movements with the help of CCTV footage.
When police attempted to intercept him, he tried to flee through narrow lanes but lost control of his bike and crashed.
He sustained fractures in his left hand and right leg and was taken into custody soon after. Police have booked him under charges of stalking and assaulting women.
Accused has a long criminal record
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajesh Dandotiya said Aqeel has an extensive criminal history.
“He has been jailed several times and has committed new offences while out on bail or parole,” Dandotiya said, according to the NDTV report.
Police sources revealed that about a year ago, Aqeel allegedly attacked a young couple with a knife and tried to molest the woman.
In another case, he reportedly snatched rifles from police personnel in Ujjain and attempted to open fire. He had recently returned to Indore after serving time in jail.
Officials condemn the incident
The attack on the visiting Australian players has caused outrage and embarrassment for the organisers, as India is co-hosting this year’s Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Madhya Pradesh Sports Minister Vishwas Sarang called the incident “deeply shameful” and vowed strong action.
“The administration acted immediately. The action will be exemplary,” he said.
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