Indore, India – A controversy has erupted following comments made by Madhya Pradesh (MP) cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya regarding the alleged molestation of two Australian women cricketers in Indore. The incident occurred on October 23, 2025, when the cricketers were reportedly stalked and inappropriately touched by a motorcyclist while walking to a cafe near their hotel.
According to police reports, the accused, identified as Aqeel alias Naitra, a 29-year-old from Khajrana, was arrested shortly after the complaint was filed. He has been charged under sections 74 and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deal with assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, and stalking. Aqeel initially claimed he only wanted to take a selfie with the players but later admitted to following and molesting them.
Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the incident, stating that the matter was reported to the police, who are handling the investigation. The incident has raised concerns about security during the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, which is currently being hosted in India.
Vijayvargiya's remarks have sparked outrage and drawn criticism from opposition parties and women's rights groups. The minister stated that the incident was "a lesson for us and for the players as well". He suggested that the cricketers should have informed local authorities before going out. "Whenever any player goes anywhere, even when we go out, we always inform at least one local person," Vijayvargiya said. He also added, "They didn't inform anyone, they didn't tell anyone but they will learn a lesson from this incident and stay cautious in the future".
These comments have been interpreted by many as victim-blaming, shifting the responsibility for the incident onto the players rather than focusing on the perpetrator and the security lapses that may have contributed to the crime.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray strongly criticized Vijayvargiya's statement, calling it a reflection of a "pathetic mentality in government". Thackeray questioned whether it is a crime for a woman to walk on the streets and said it was shameful to have such a mindset in the government. Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Arun Yadav slammed the statement as "disgusting and regressive," saying, "This incident exposes the state's failure to protect its guests".
Amid the controversy, there have been assurances from other political figures regarding the safety of women in the state. According to Sharma, "Whether the daughter belongs to India or Australia, her safety is also our guarantee".
Authorities are also looking to felicitate a local resident who assisted the cricketers by noting the accused's vehicle details.
