Indian origin Nikhil Chaudhary who played for Hobart Hurricanes in Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 has been accused of rape. The alleged incident happened in 2021. The Punjab-born all-rounder is on trial after the victim’s friend took the case to the District Court in Townsville, Queensland.
The prosecutors alleged that Chaudhary sexually assaulted her in his car and left her injured and bleeding. He pleaded not guilty on the count of raping the woman in his car on Finders Street in May 2021.
The mother of the victim said that she received a phone call at 3:11 AM after the alleged attack. She missed the call but called her 34 minutes later.
“I couldn't hear much because she was crying, she sounded upset. I asked her why she was crying and she said she might be going to court. She told me she met this guy at the nightclub, they hung out for a bit and she mentioned she went out of the club with him and got into the car with him,” the mother was quoted as saying by the Townsville Bulletin.
Forensic nurse Nicole Aitken examined the victim within hours of the alleged crime.
"She said that kissing had occurred, which was consensual, and [digital penetration] had taken place, which was not consensual," Aitken told the court as per ABC news.
Constable Alexandra Smith said the victim was not under the influence of alcohol and was walking and speaking normally.
“She didn't appear under the influence," the constable said.
"She was coherent and walking fine and speaking fine and didn't appear to be affected by alcohol. She told me she had been inside a vehicle with a man and that the man sexually assaulted her,” Smith said.
Nikhil’s three-year contract
Nikhil was exceptional in his debut BBL season. He picked up five wickets and scored 154 runs. He played the role of a finisher for the Hobart Hurricanes franchise. The 27-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Hurricanes.
Their head coach Jeff Vaughan praised Chaudhary as he got a three-year contract.
"Nikhil was one of our strongest performers during BBL 13, to watch his growth as a cricketer and take his opportunity when it was given to him- was fantastic for our team and supporters. Re-signing Nikky for another 3 years gives us a talented leg-spinning all-rounder, but also someone who can help continue to build out culture and brand of Hurricanes cricket," Vaughan said.
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