The Madhya Pradesh Police have announced that the National Security Act (NSA) will be invoked against Aqeel Khan alias Nitra, a 29-year-old habitual offender, for allegedly molesting two Australian women cricketers in Indore. The shocking incident, which took place on Saturday.
According to police officials, the two cricketers had stepped out of their hotel for a casual walk towards a café when they were stalked and harassed by the accused. Aqeel allegedly approached the players near Robot Square, followed them for a short distance, and then molested one of them before fleeing the spot. The incident was immediately reported to the Australian team’s management, who alerted their security officer, Danny Simmons, and coordinated with local police to ensure the safety of the players.
Serial Offender Behind Bars Again
Following swift police action, Aqeel was tracked down and arrested within hours. Investigators revealed that he is a resident of Khajrana and has an extensive criminal history, with over 10 cases registered against him including molestation, robbery, assault, and attempted murder. He had recently been released from Bhairavgarh Jail after completing a ten-year sentence and is also accused in several cases under the Arms Act and the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act.
Additional DCP Rajesh Dandotiya said to Media that Aqeel was heavily intoxicated during the incident and that his behaviour could have escalated into physical violence or an attack had help not arrived on time. “There was a clear lapse in local security, and a senior officer is now investigating how such a breach occurred,” Dandotiya said.
CCTV Trail and Arrest
The breakthrough came when a bystander noted the motorcycle number of the accused and passed the information to police. Using technical surveillance and local intelligence, officers from the MIG police station tracked Aqeel to his residence and arrested him. He was booked under Sections 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
During interrogation, Aqeel initially claimed he only wanted to take a selfie with the foreign players. However, under sustained questioning, he confessed to following and molesting them after spotting them walking from Robot Square towards Khajrana. Police reconstructed his movements that morning, confirming that he had dropped his father at Sathya Sai Square before circling back on a motorcycle without a registration number to target the players.
NSA Slap to Ensure Deterrence
Authorities have now decided to invoke the National Security Act against Aqeel Khan, describing him as a habitual and dangerous criminal who poses a threat to public safety. The police believe that applying NSA provisions will prevent him from securing an early release and send a strong deterrent message against such crimes.
“This man has a long history of criminal behaviour. His latest act endangered not only the players’ safety but also India’s reputation as a host for international sporting events,” said a senior officer. “The decision to invoke NSA is meant to ensure that he remains in custody and faces the full weight of the law.”
Judicial Custody and Further Probe
On Sunday, Aqeel was produced before a local court, which remanded him in judicial custody for 15 days. The investigation team is examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and has requested digital records from the hotel and café to piece together the timeline of events.
Police have also intensified checks on repeat offenders in Indore, especially around hotels and sports venues, to strengthen security for international players. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from citizens and women’s groups, who have demanded stricter action against habitual offenders like Aqeel Khan.
Authorities maintain that invoking the NSA marks a turning point in how crimes against women especially foreign nationals are treated in India, ensuring such individuals can no longer exploit legal loopholes to escape swift punishment.
