Indore molestation case: Man who harassed Australian women cricketers is a habitual offender with 10 criminal cases

New Delhi: The 29-year-old man arrested for allegedly molesting two Australian women cricketers in Madhya Pradesh's Indore has been identified as a habitual offender with a long criminal history.

The accused, Aqeel alias Nitra, has at least 10 criminal cases registered against him. These cases include charges of molestation, robbery, assault, and attempted murder. Aqeel was recently released from Bhairavgarh jail after serving a 10-year prison sentence.

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According to police records, Aqeel's criminal record dates back to 2012, with cases filed under the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Police said he worked as a painter, while his parents are daily-wage labourers.

The incident took place around 11 am on Thursday, when two members of the Australian women's cricket team, in Indore for an ICC Women's World Cup 2025 match, were walking towards a cafe near their hotel.

According to a complaint filed by Danny Simmons, the team's security in-charge, Aqeel approached the players on his motorbike, tried to grab one of them, and fled. Moments later, he returned and allegedly groped the other cricketer before escaping again.

The players, shaken by the assault, immediately alerted their security officer, who contacted local authorities.

The Indore Police Commissionerate launched a manhunt involving officers from five police stations. CCTV footage from the area helped identify Aqeel, who was later tracked down.

As police closed in, Aqeel attempted to flee through narrow lanes but lost control of his motorbike and crashed. He sustained fractures in his left arm and right leg during the chase and was taken into custody.

A new case has been registered against him under sections of stalking and assaulting women, police said.

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Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajesh Dandotiya said Aqeel had been jailed multiple times and continued committing crimes while out on bail or parole.

A year ago, he allegedly attacked a young couple with a knife and tried to molest the woman. In another case, he reportedly snatched rifles from policemen in Ujjain and attempted to open fire.