Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has come under fire for his comments on the alleged stalking and sexual harassment of Australian women cricketers in Indore on October 23. The former BJP national general secretary said that the cricketers “should have been more careful”. 

The 69-year-old minister also said the Australian women cricketers who were molested in Indore three days ago while going to a cafe should have informed the local authorities before leaving the hotel, adding that it was a “mistake” on their part. 

“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,” Vijayvargiya told NDTV.

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Adding to it, he mentioned that, “there was personal security and police security too, but they left as no one noticed, and this incident happened. The incident is unfortunate, but 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.”

He also told news agency PTI that “players must keep in mind that when they leave their place, their security and local administration should be informed because there is a huge craze for cricketers (in India)”.

Another controversy over accused’s religion

This statement came just a day after another BJP MLA highlighted the arrested suspect’s religion, saying Aqeel Sheikh, who has a criminal record, is a Muslim. Sheikh is accused in a case where at least two players were stalked and harassed by a man on a bike.

BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma on Saturday called the accused Aqeel Sheikh one of “some illegitimate children” who “conspired to defame Indian culture.” He also referred to an incident in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh where a Muslim cleric allegedly harassed a 13-year-old girl. 

“Whether the daughter is Hindu or Muslim, guaranteeing the safety of daughters is our guarantee. Whether the daughter belongs to India or Australia, her safety is also our guarantee,” Sharma said.

Context of the incident

Around 11 am on October 23, two Australian cricketers left their team hotel to go to a cafe before their match against South Africa. That’s when they were allegedly inappropriately touched.

The players reported the incident to their security officer, Danny Simmons and a complaint was lodged at the MIG Road police station. Police are checking if there were any lapses in the security arrangements.

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BJP government faces questions

While the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) condemned the incident, it also sparked a political debate over the alleged molestation.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi condemned it on X, saying, “Disgraceful. We boast about economic growth, but we continue to fail to provide safe spaces for women. What a shameful act.” 

Congress’s Madhya Pradesh unit chief, Jitu Patwari, also criticised the state government, saying the law and order situation has completely worsened under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. “Such filth cannot be ignored at any cost in the country’s cleanest city!” he said in Hindi.