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Indore, Oct 25 (IANS) After arresting a man accused of molesting two Australian women cricketers participating in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Indore, police on Saturday said they are investigating whether there was any ‘lapse’ in security protocols.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Crime Branch, Rajesh Dandotia said the accused, identified as Akil Khan, has been arrested.
Responding to the security arrangements provided to the women Australian cricket players, Dandotia said that police protection was provided as per standard protocol inside and outside the hotel premises.
He said, “The franchises (teams) also have their own security staff, and a meeting was held regarding maintaining standard protocols. There may be a lack of coordination between Indore police security and the team’s security staff. This part is being investigated.”
When asked if the women players were provided police protection when they were out of their hotel, DCP Dandotia said that a team of Indore police officers was deployed at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
He reiterated, “Indore Police had a meeting with the security staff of the Australian team and protocols were decided. We are investigating whether there was any lapse in security protocols.”
A police officer said an FIR was registered in the case and after an intensive strategic operation the accused was identified and arrested. Accused Akil is a resident of Azadnagar.
Khan has been arrested under relevant sections of BNS. The incident happened around 11 am on Thursday, when the two cricketers, who were staying with their team in the hotel, went out for a walk towards a nearby cafe in Khajrana Road area.
According to sub-inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi, a man on a motorcycle started chasing them and allegedly touched one of the players inappropriately before speeding away.
The players immediately contacted their team’s security manager, Danny Simmons, who coordinated with local security officials and dispatched a vehicle to assist. An SOS was also triggered through the team’s alert system, prompting a prompt response from the police.
According to the information, Assistant Police Commissioner Himani Mishra later met the players and recorded their statements.
The incident occurred two days before Australia’s top clash against South Africa in the ongoing World Cup. The team had reached Indore a week ago and played a match against England on Wednesday.
–IANS
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