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Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra said: “Aqeel Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him.”
Aqeel Khan has been arrested in the molestation case. (ANI/File)
Aqeel Khan alias Nitra, 29, who has been arrested for allegedly molesting two Australian women cricketers in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, is a habitual offender, according to police.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra who had met the two players to record their statements, said, “Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him, and an investigation is on in the case.”
#WATCH | MP | Two members of the women’s Australian Cricket team were allegedly molested while they were on their way to a cafe from their hotel in Indore on 23rd OctoberAdditional DCP Crime Branch, Rajesh Dandotiya says, “The Security officers of the women’s Australian Cricket… pic.twitter.com/ekeLjtxxI2
— ANI (@ANI) October 25, 2025
What happened in Indore?
Two Australian women cricketers, taking part in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, were allegedly stalked, and one of them was molested by a motorcycle-borne man in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, police said on Saturday.
The Australian team’s management security complained about the “inappropriate behaviour” faced by the two players. Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi said that the two cricketers had stepped out of their hotel and were walking towards a café when a man on a motorcycle started following them. He allegedly touched one of them inappropriately and rode off, she said.
The duo contacted their team security officer, Danny Simmons, who coordinated with local security liaison officers and dispatched a vehicle for assistance.
The police on Friday arrested the man involved in the incident that occurred on the Khajrana Road area on Thursday morning, an official said. Mishra said that a bystander noted the suspect’s motorcycle number, based on which the accused, Aqeel Khan, was apprehended. The first information report was filed under section 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the MIG police station.
The incident has sparked a political row over women’s safety in the state.
Two members of the women’s Australian Cricket team were allegedly molested while they were on their way to a cafe from their hotel in Indore on 23rd October Additional DCP Crime Branch, Rajesh Dandotiya said, “The Security officers of the women’s Australian Cricket Team filed… pic.twitter.com/nDAejFvSIu
— ANI (@ANI) October 25, 2025
Who is Aqeel Khan?
Aqeel is a resident of Khajarana, but now he lives in Azad Nagar, said Additional DCP Crime Branch, Rajesh Dandotiya.
Aqeel has at least 10 criminal cases against him, and the charges include molestation, robbery, assault, and attempted murder, according to NDTV report.
He was recently released from Bhairavgarh jail after a 10-year jail term. Some of the cases against Aqeel date back to 2012.
Besides the Indian Penal Code, he has been charged under the Arms Act and the anti-drugs law, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, in several cases. He worked as a painter, and his parents are labourers, NDTV reported.
With PTI, ANI Inputs
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
October 26, 2025, 14:01 IST
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