In a shocking response to the recent molestation of two Australian women cricketers in Indore, Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya stirred controversy by suggesting that the victims should have been more cautious about their safety. The incident, which took place on October 23 when the players were heading to a café before their match against South Africa, has drawn widespread outrage from political and social circles.
According to reports, the cricketers left their hotel without informing their security team and were allegedly harassed by a bike-borne man on the street. They later informed their team’s security officer, and a complaint was registered at the MIG Road police station. The accused, identified as Aqeel Sheikh, was arrested soon after. Authorities are investigating whether there were any lapses in security arrangements for the visiting team.
The minister’s comments have sparked strong reactions across the political spectrum. Opposition leaders accused the ruling BJP of insensitivity and of trying to shift blame onto the victims instead of addressing the safety failure. Women’s rights groups and social media users also condemned the remarks, calling them tone-deaf and irresponsible.
Meanwhile, another BJP MLA, Rameshwar Sharma, drew further criticism after making communal remarks about the accused’s religion, deepening the controversy. The incident has now evolved into a political flashpoint, with both the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) demanding accountability from the state government.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) have also expressed concern, emphasizing that such incidents tarnish India’s image as a host nation. As investigations continue, the focus has shifted from security failures to the government’s response, raising fresh questions about women’s safety and accountability in India’s public spaces.
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