“Lock him up and throw the keys away”: Sunil Gavaskar fumes over Australian women cricketers’ molestation row

Sunil Gavaskar He expressed his extreme anger over the shocking harassment of two people Australia women Cricketers in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, demanding the harshest punishment for the accused. The incident, which occurred on Thursday morning, sparked national outrage and global condemnation, tarnishing India’s reputation during the ongoing crisis. 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

Sunil Gavaskar criticizes the heinous act

former India captain Sunil Gavaskar It strongly condemned the incident and described it as a disgrace to the nation’s values. Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar said the attack on visiting athletes violates India’s fundamental belief of Atithi Devo Bhava (the guest is God). Expressing his anger, the legend stated that such actions reflected deep moral decline and required uncompromising justice. “You lock him up and throw the keys away. This is the only way these criminals should be treatedHe said, urging the legal system to impose swift punishment.

The incident cast a shadow over the Australian team’s World Cup career. Recently defeated players EnglandHe was walking to a nearby cafe when he was hit by a 29-year-old motorcyclist Aqeel KhanAllegedly stalking and harassing them.

According to the police report, one of the players was touched inappropriately before the suspect fled the scene. The Australian security officer immediately informed the authorities, leading to a rapid investigation involving the Indore Police Crime Branch. Surveillance camera footage and eyewitness accounts played a crucial role in tracking down the suspect and arresting him within hours

Police investigations revealed that Khan is a habitual criminal with a history of criminal charges, including robbery, assault and attempted murder. He was recently released from Bharavgarh Jail after serving a ten-year prison sentence. The authorities are now assessing potential gaps in local security arrangements and have beefed up protection for all World Cup teams following the incident.

Read also: BCCI Secretary breaks his silence on harassment incident involving Australian cricketers in Indore during the 2025 Women’s World Cup

The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the authorities condemn the incident

Vice President of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rajeev Shukla He expressed his deep regret over the incident, describing it as “Unfortunate and unacceptable“A breach of safety. He confirmed that the Board of Directors is in contact with the Australian team and the ICC to ensure that the remainder of the tournament runs safely.

Shukla stated that the BCCI is reviewing the security protocols for all visiting players and will support all investigations until justice is served. “No one expected something like this, and it should never happen to anyone. The police acted immediately, and we are confident that the law will take its proper courseHe said

Secretary of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Devaget Saikia He also condemned the act, stressing that such behavior damages India’s reputation as a global cricket hub. Madhya Pradesh Police, led by Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi and Assistant Commissioner Himani Mishraregistered an FIR under Sections 74 and 78 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita For harassment and stalking. The accused’s motorcycle was identified through surveillance camera footage and a passerby’s observation of the registration number, allowing him to be quickly arrested.​

The incident sparked a political uproar in Madhya Pradesh, where opposition leaders accused the state government of negligence regarding women’s safety. Meanwhile, government officials, including Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya and President of the MPCA Mahanarayman ScindiaHe stressed that the perpetrator will receive a deterrent punishment. The global cricket communities also expressed their solidarity with the victims, and called for greater vigilance to ensure the safety of female athletes around the world.

Also Read: 7-fer Alana King leads Australia to dominant win over South Africa in 2025 Women’s World Cup

This article was first published on WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.