Union Minister Raksha Khadse lodged a police complaint on Sunday regarding the harassment of her daughter and her friends by a group of miscreants during an event in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra. The incident took place on Friday night during the Sant Muktai Yatra in Kothali village, Muktainagar.
Khadse explained that while she was in Gujarat, her daughter had sought permission to attend the event. “I advised her to take a security guard and two or three staff members with her,” she said. However, at the venue, a group of boys allegedly followed her daughter, took photos and videos, and physically pushed her and her friends. When Khadse’s staff intervened, the group reportedly turned aggressive, leading to a crowd of nearly 40 people gathering at the scene.
The minister further revealed that her daughter had been harassed by the same group previously, during another public event on February 24. Expressing deep concern, she said, “If this can happen to the daughter of an MP or Union minister, imagine what ordinary people go through.”
Khadse also stated that locals in Muktainagar had informed her that the same group had been harassing schoolgirls. She urged authorities to take immediate and strict action to ensure women’s safety.
Police arrest accused
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the incident, stating that the accused individuals were linked to a political party. “The local police have already arrested some of them, and a case has been registered. Strict action will be taken against those responsible,” Fadnavis assured.
Congress criticises law and order
The incident has sparked political controversy, with Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal criticizing the state’s law and order situation. “If the daughter of a Union minister is not safe despite security presence, it speaks volumes about the government’s failure,” he said.
Sapkal further alleged that Khadse had to wait at the police station as authorities delayed action. He called for Fadnavis to step down as home minister, accusing him of failing to protect women in the state.
Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar echoed similar sentiments, stating, “The minister had to personally visit the police station to ensure the culprits were arrested. This reflects the reality of Maharashtra under the current government.”
The incident has led to widespread outrage, with political leaders demanding swift action against the accused and a reassessment of the state’s law enforcement measures.