Madhya Pradesh minister and senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya has come under fire for suggesting that the two Australian women cricketers who were molested in Indore “should have been more careful.”
Speaking to NDTV, the minister said, “Look, there has been a lapse. But the players suddenly leaving from there without telling anyone, they didn’t even tell their coach. This is a mistake from their side too. Because there was personal security and police security, but they left as no one noticed, and this incident happened.”
Calling the episode “unfortunate,” he added, “Now the players should also learn from this. I feel that when we go to another country or another city, we should also worry about our own safety.”
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Kailash Vijayvargiya told PTI that players must inform local authorities or security personnel before stepping out, as “there is a huge craze for cricketers in India.”
Minister’s remarks trigger political row
In comments reported by India Today, the minister said the incident should serve as “a lesson for everyone, both for us and for the players.” He recalled an old experience to explain how athletes attract crowds. “I have personally witnessed football players’ clothes tearing due to crowds. An English football player stayed at a hotel with me, and suddenly a large number of young fans arrived. Someone took his autograph, a girl kissed him, and his clothes tore. Players should be aware of their popularity.”
He later said the assault was “shameful for Indore and the country” and urged strict punishment for the accused. “An example should be set by giving strict punishment to prevent such an incident,” he told India Today.
The incident took place on October 23, when two Australian cricketers left their hotel to visit a café ahead of their World Cup match against South Africa. A man on a motorcycle allegedly followed and touched one of them inappropriately on Khajrana Road. The players informed their security officer, after which a complaint was lodged at the MIG Road police station. The accused, Aqeel Sheikh, who has a prior record, was arrested on Friday.
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Opposition parties sharply criticised the minister’s statement. Congress leader Arun Yadav called it “irresponsible and regressive,” saying the state had failed to protect its guests. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi posted on X, “Disgraceful. We boast about growth but continue to fail providing safe spaces for women. What a shameful act."
The remarks have drawn nationwide criticism for shifting blame toward the victims instead of addressing women’s safety. The incident, during the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, has also raised questions about security arrangements for visiting players.
