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

Sunil Gavaskar has voiced strong outrage over the shocking molestation of two Australia women cricketers in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, calling for the strictest punishment for the accused. The incident, which occurred on Thursday morning, has stirred national outrage and drawn global condemnation, tarnishing India’s reputation during the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

Sunil Gavaskar blasts heinous act

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar condemned the incident in severe terms, labeling it a disgrace to the nation’s values. Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar said that the attack on visiting athletes violated India’s foundational belief of Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God). Expressing fury, the legend stated that such acts mirror a deep moral decline and demanded uncompromising justice. “You lock him up and throw the keys away. That’s the only way such criminals should be treated,” he said, urging the legal system to deliver swift punishment.

The incident has overshadowed the Australian team’s World Cup campaign. The players, who had recently defeated England, were walking to a nearby café when a motorcyclist, identified as 29-year-old Aqeel Khan, allegedly stalked and molested them.

According to the police report, one of the players was touched inappropriately before the suspect fled the scene. The Australian security officer immediately alerted authorities, leading to a rapid investigation involving the Indore Police’s Crime Branch. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts played a crucial role in tracing and arresting the suspect within hours.​

Police investigations revealed that Khan is a habitual offender with a history of criminal charges, including robbery, assault, and attempted murder. He was recently released from Bhairavgarh Jail after serving a decade-long sentence. Authorities are now assessing potential lapses in local security arrangements and have enhanced protection for all World Cup teams following the episode.​

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BCCI and authorities condemn the incident

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla expressed deep regret over the incident, calling it an “unfortunate and unacceptable” breach of safety. He confirmed that the Board is in communication with the Australian team and the ICC to ensure that the remainder of the tournament proceeds securely.

Shukla stated that the BCCI is reviewing security protocols for all visiting players and will support all investigations until justice is served. “No one could have anticipated something like this, and it should never happen to anyone. The police have acted promptly, and we trust the law will take its due course,” he said.​

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also condemned the act, emphasizing that such behavior damages India’s reputation as a global cricket hub. The Madhya Pradesh Police, led by Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi and Assistant Commissioner Himani Mishra, registered an FIR under Sections 74 and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for molestation and stalking. The accused’s motorcycle was identified from CCTV footage and a bystander’s note of the registration number, enabling a swift arrest.​

The incident has triggered political uproar in Madhya Pradesh, with opposition leaders accusing the state government of negligence regarding women’s safety. Meanwhile, government officials, including Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya and MPCA president Mahaanaryaman Scindia, assured that the culprit would face exemplary punishment. Global cricket communities have also expressed solidarity with the victims, calling for added vigilance to ensure women athletes’ safety worldwide.​

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