Australian Women Cricketers Harassed in India's "Safe City" Indore: Security Failures Expose Urban Safety Concerns

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Indore:

India's self-proclaimed cleanest city and one of its supposedly safest urban centers has once again found itself under intense scrutiny both nationally and internationally. Two players from Australia's Women's Cricket Team, the defending world champions, were allegedly stalked and sexually assaulted by a motorcyclist near their accommodation in Indore. This city, which serves as Madhya Pradesh's commercial hub, falls directly under Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav's jurisdiction, who also maintains the Home portfolio.

The disturbing incident took place at approximately 11 am on Thursday when two Australian team members left their accommodation at the Radisson Blu Hotel, where the team had been staying since October 17, to visit a nearby café.

According to Danny Simmons, the team's security manager, both athletes had previously visited this café and were familiar with the surrounding area. What should have been a routine outing quickly transformed into a frightening experience.

Simmons informed police that at 11:08 am, he received a "Live Location" alert—the team's emergency distress signal—followed by an urgent WhatsApp message from one player stating, "Hey SOS, I'm sending my live location... There's a guy following us, trying to grab us."

Shortly after, she called to report that a man on a motorcycle wearing a white shirt and black cap (without a helmet) had been following them, attempted to grab one player, then turned around and inappropriately touched the other before fleeing the scene.

Terrified, the women immediately contacted Simmons, who reached out to Team Security Liaison Officers and arranged transportation to assist the players.

Meanwhile, a local resident intervened to help, noting the motorcycle's registration number before alerting authorities.

Simmons subsequently reported the incident to Indore Police, and with assistance from Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association's chief administrative officer Rohit Pandit, authorities registered a case under Sections 74 and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which address stalking and outraging a woman's modesty.

The perpetrator, identified as Aqeel from Khajrana, was apprehended within six hours.

Police later revealed that Aqeel has ten previous cases against him, including theft and robbery charges.

"Security protocols for the team were established following meetings between all stakeholders, including BCCI and MPCA officials and the Indore Police Commissionerate. Despite all security measures being implemented, this incident occurred; we will analyze and identify the shortcomings," stated Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajesh Dandotiya.

The assault occurred just one day after Australia defeated England at Holkar Stadium, an event that featured extensive police presence.

Yet, despite comprehensive security arrangements, two international athletes were harassed in public less than a kilometer from their accommodation.

This is not the first instance where Indore's security systems have come under scrutiny.

On September 10, 2024, an army officer's girlfriend was gang-raped near Jamgate in Mhow, an Indore suburb. This case generated nationwide outrage and prompted major reforms in the region's policing structure.

On September 15, 2025, three residents were fatally crushed and several others seriously injured when an intoxicated truck driver entered a restricted zone in western Indore. In response, the Chief Minister suspended multiple officers, including the DCP (Traffic), for negligence.

Each of these incidents, culminating with the attack on Australian cricketers, presents a troubling picture of a city that markets itself as a model for urban safety and governance.

According to the National Annual Report and Women's Safety Index (NARI 2025), Indore ranks among India's safest cities for women, with approximately 70% of respondents reporting feeling safe—higher than the national average of 64.6%.

However, NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) data places Indore sixth nationally, making it the only city from Madhya Pradesh on this list.

The city that has claimed India's 'Cleanest City' title for eight consecutive years and promotes itself as a smart, safe urban model now faces international scrutiny for failing to ensure the safety of visiting international athletes.