A shocking incident in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has ignited public anger and political controversy after two Australian women cricketers, participating in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, were allegedly molested by a biker near their hotel.
The accused, identified as Aqeel, a 29-year-old serial offender from Khajrana, was arrested within hours of the complaint, police said. The assault — which occurred in full public view — has drawn nationwide criticism and raised serious concerns over women’s safety and security during international events.
However, it was not just the crime that made headlines — the reaction of a Madhya Pradesh cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has further fueled outrage.
Minister’s Controversial Comment
Kailash Vijayvargiya, instead of condemning the attack, suggested that the players should “learn a lesson” from it.
“Whenever any player goes anywhere, even when we go out, we always inform at least one local person. I think this will remind the players that in the future, if we leave our venue, we should inform our security or local administration before leaving, as there is a huge craze for cricket players,” Vijayvargiya said.
He went on to compare the incident to the enthusiasm seen in football-crazy England: “Cricket is a sport like football in England. I have seen football players' clothes being torn. We were staying at the hotel and having coffee. So many young men came over. Someone was asking for autographs from a famous player. A girl kissed him, and his clothes got torn. He was a very famous football player.”
He further added, “Sometimes, players don't realise their popularity. Players are very popular, so they should be careful. This incident has happened; it's a lesson for everyone. It's a lesson for us and for the players as well.”
Backlash From Opposition And Women’s Groups
The statement has been widely condemned by opposition leaders and women’s rights activists, who accused the minister of victim-blaming instead of addressing the state’s law and order failure.
Former Union Minister Arun Yadav called the comment “disgusting and regressive”, saying, “This incident exposes the state's failure to protect its guests. Kailash ji's remark reflects a disturbing mindset; instead of ensuring women's safety, the minister is blaming the victims. The Chief Minister himself heads the Home Ministry, and yet such incidents occur under his watch.”
Aaditya Thackeray Slams “Pathetic Mentality”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also hit out at Vijayvargiya, calling his remarks “shameful.”
“As much as embarrassing the incident of @AusWomenCricket members is, the Madhya Pradesh minister calling them out and saying it’s a lesson to be “more careful” makes it even worse,” Thackeray said in a post on X.
He further added,“What a shame! Obviously the government will not act on him, but in a time when we bid for Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and when we invite investors too, to India it is shameful to have such pathetic mentality in government.”
Thackeray questioned whether it was now a crime for women to walk freely on the streets, asking, “Instead of acting strongly on the many such incidents faced by women everyday, the minister saying such nonsense, is a disgrace.”
The Indore Police have assured a swift and fair investigation, but the controversy over the minister’s comments continues to grow, with calls for an apology and accountability from the Madhya Pradesh government.
