After Indore Incident, Navi Mumbai Tightens Security: 600 Personnel Deployed for Women’s World Cup Matches

Security has been significantly stepped up in Navi Mumbai for the remaining matches of the ongoing Women’s World Cup 2025 following the molestation incident involving two Australian players in Indore last week. The city will host two of the final three matches — including the India–Australia semifinal on Thursday and the tournament final on Sunday at the DY Patil Stadium.

The incident occurred on October 23, when two Australian cricketers left their team hotel in Indore to visit a café. They were allegedly inappropriately touched by a man during the outing. The Australian team management reported the incident, leading to the registration of an FIR under Sections 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Following a six-hour manhunt, Madhya Pradesh Police arrested the accused, Aqueel Sheikh, who reportedly has a criminal record. He was taken into custody and remanded for two days.

In response, Navi Mumbai Police have reinforced security protocols for all teams. “Since October 18, when practice began here, we have stationed guards at every hotel housing players. Around 600 personnel, including 75 officers, are deployed for ground and route security,” said a senior police officer.

He added that players are now required to inform authorities before leaving their hotels. “We already had strict security in place, but sometimes players step out without informing us, which complicates protection efforts. We’ve requested them to coordinate with police for their safety,” he said.

The semifinal and final matches in Navi Mumbai will be conducted under round-the-clock security coverage, with player movements closely monitored to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.