Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A 29-year-old habitual offender with a long criminal record has been arrested for allegedly molesting two Australian women cricketers in Indore on Thursday.

The accused, identified as Aqeel alias Nitra, has at least 10 prior criminal cases against him, including charges of molestation, robbery, assault, and attempted murder, police said.

According to officials, Aqeel had recently been released from Bhairavgarh jail after serving a 10-year sentence.

He worked as a painter while his parents were daily-wage labourers. Police records show that his criminal activities date back to 2012, with multiple cases registered under the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The shocking incident occurred around 11 am on Thursday when two members of the Australian women’s cricket team, in Indore for a Women’s World Cup match, were walking towards a café near their hotel.

According to a police complaint filed by Danny Simmons, the team’s security in charge, Aqeel approached the players on a motorcycle, tried to grab one of them, and sped off. Moments later, he returned and groped the second cricketer before fleeing the scene.

Terrified, the players immediately sent an SOS to their security head. The Indore Police Commissionerate quickly launched a massive manhunt, involving personnel from five police stations.

CCTV footage from nearby areas helped track the accused. During the chase, Aqeel lost control of his bike, crashed, and sustained fractures in his left hand and right leg before being arrested.

Aqeel now faces fresh charges of stalking and assaulting women. Police said he is a repeat offender who has repeatedly committed crimes while out on bail or parole.

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

Describing the crime as “deeply shameful,” Madhya Pradesh Sports Minister Vishwas Sarang said, “The incident is a major embarrassment. The administration acted immediately, and the punishment will be exemplary.”

The incident has sparked outrage, especially since India is co-hosting this year’s Women’s Cricket World Cup, raising serious concerns about player safety and public security during international sporting events.