A 29-year-old man, arrested for allegedly molesting two Australian women cricketers in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, is a habitual offender with an extensive criminal record. Aqeel, also known as Nitra, aged 29, faces at least 10 criminal cases, involving charges such as molestation, robbery, assault, and attempted murder. He was recently released from Bhairavgarh jail following a 10-year imprisonment.
Several cases against Aqeel trace back to 2012. In addition to provisions under the Indian Penal Code, he has been charged under the Arms Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act in multiple instances. He earned his livelihood as a painter, while his parents work as labourers.
At approximately 11 am on Thursday, two members of the Australian women's cricket team, who were in Indore to participate in a World Cup match, were walking toward a cafe located near the hotel where they were staying.
As detailed in a police complaint filed by Danny Simmons, the security incharge of the Australian team, Aqeel approached the cricketers on his motorcycle, attempted to grab one of them, and then sped away. He returned shortly afterward, groped the other cricketer, and fled the scene. The players, deeply terrified by the assault, immediately sent an SOS to their security head.
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The local police mounted a swift response. The Indore Police Commissionerate initiated an operation that engaged officers from five police stations. The authorities examined CCTV footage from the vicinity of the crime scene and identified Aqeel. As the police closed in, Aqeel attempted to evade capture by navigating through narrow lanes. In the course of this intense pursuit, he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed. He sustained fractures in his left hand and right leg and is currently in custody. The repeat offender now faces a new case under sections related to stalking and assaulting women.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajesh Dandotiya stated that Aqeel has a criminal history. He has been jailed several times and has committed new offences while out on bail or parole. A year ago, Aqeel allegedly attacked a young couple with a knife and tried to molest the woman, according to police sources. In another incident, he allegedly snatched rifles from cops in Ujjain and tried to open fire. Police said he recently returned to Indore after serving time in jail.
India is co-hosting this year's women's cricket World Cup, and the shocking crime against Australian cricketers in Indore represents a major embarrassment. Madhya Pradesh Sports Minister Vishwas Sarang has described the incident as "deeply shameful" and assured the strictest punishment. "The administration acted immediately. The action will be exemplary."
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