Australia Players' Molestation Accused Says He Wanted Selfie, Security Beefed Up

Aqeel Sheikh has been charged on ten occasions previously, and had completed his last term six months ago.

Aqeel Sheikh, accused in molestation of Australian female players, claimed he wanted to click a selfie.

(Photo: ICC/The Quint)

Aqeel Sheikh, the accused in the case of molestation of two Australian female cricketers in Indore, pleaded his innocence by claiming he wanted to click selfies with the players, and hence chased and grabbed them.

On Sunday, 26 October, Sheikh was produced in front of the court, where a 15-day judicial remand was announced. The incident happened between 11am to 11:30am on Thursday, 23 October, at Khajrana Road in Indore. Walking to a café, two Australian players were stalked by Sheikh, while one cricketer was touched inappropriately.

Speaking to The Quint, Rajesh Dandotiya, additional DCP Crime Branch, Indore, stated:

Initially, the accused Aqeel Sheikh was taken on police remand. He was produced in front of the court today (26 October), where he was given a 15-day judicial remand. He is currently held captive at the Azad Nagar Police Station.

Rajesh Dandotiya, additional DCP Crime Branch, Indore

On the ongoing investigation, he commented:

We are trying to speed up the investigation procedure, considering the delicate nature of the crime. At the moment, we are in the process of collecting evidence and recording statements. Once we are done with our investigation, we will produce the chargesheet against Sheikh. We will ask for the maximum possible for the accused.

Rajesh Dandotiya, additional DCP Crime Branch, Indore

Sheikh, a 29-year-old resident of Azad Nagar’s Daulatbag Colony, is a repeat offender and has been behind bars on several occasions. Dandotiya shared his criminal record with The Quint, wherein it is mentioned that the ongoing case is his eleventh offence.

• 1. Breaking into a house, theft (Malhargunj)

• 2. Robbery (Sanyogitagung)

• 3. Robbery (Aerodrome)

• 4. Causing hurt, criminal intimidation (Bhairavgarh)

• 5. Attempt to murder, causing hurt, extortion (Lasuriya)

• 6. Illegal possession of intoxicants (Khajrana)

• 7. Consumption of narcotic drugs (Khajrana)

• 8. Causing hurt, taking firearm from police (Khajrana)

• 9. Theft (Khajrana)

• 10. Criminal conspiracy, robbery, causing hurt (Bhawarkund)

Aqeel Sheikh's criminal record.

(Photo: Sourced by The Quint)

Working as a painter, Sheikh has been in and out of prison for over a decade. He has frequently committed crimes while on bail.

Aqeel Sheikh is a notorious criminal. He has been in and out of jail and has spent a cumulative of nearly 10 years in captivity. He completed serving his previous sentence only six months ago. He has attempted murder before and has also snatched the firearm of a police officer.

Rajesh Dandotiya, additional DCP Crime Branch, Indore

Vishvas Sarang, Sports Minister of Madhya Pradesh, condemned the incident and called it “shameful.”

The incident is shameful, and the accused has been apprehended by the police. We respect our guests, and such incidents hold no place in society. Thus, the administration will take action that ensures that such incidents do not take place in the future.

Vishvas Sarang, Sports Minister of Madhya Pradesh, to ANI

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the aftermath of the incident across all venues. At the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where Australia will be playing their semi-final contest against India, The Quint spotted a number of police vehicles cordoning the team bus of India and Bangladesh, who are playing at the venue on 26 October, during their arrival and departure. The pink police units — specialised in ensuring safety of women — were also spotted.