Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Monday strongly condemned Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya’s remarks regarding the alleged molestation of two Australian women cricketers in Indore, calling his comments a reflection of a “pathetic mentality in government.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Thackeray criticised Vijayvargiya for suggesting that the players were also at fault in the incident.
“As much as embarrassing the incident of Australia Women Cricket members is, the Madhya Pradesh minister calling them out and saying it`s a lesson to be `more careful` makes it even worse,” Thackeray wrote.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA said such statements were shameful and undermined India’s global image.
“What a shame! Obviously, the government will not act on him, but at a time when we bid for the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, and invite investors to India, it is shameful to have such a pathetic mentality in the government,” he said.
Thackeray also questioned the minister’s insensitivity towards women’s safety, stating,
“Is it a crime for a woman—be it from a cricket team or not—to walk on the streets of our cities? Instead of acting strongly on such incidents, the minister saying such nonsense is a disgrace.”
Earlier, Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya had commented on the incident, claiming that the Australian players’ decision to leave their hotel without informing security was “a mistake from their side too.”
“There has been a lapse. But the players suddenly leaving without telling anyone — they didn’t even tell their coach — this is a mistake from their side too. There was police and personal security, but they left unnoticed, and this incident happened,” Vijayvargiya had said.
Meanwhile, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Rajesh Dandotiya confirmed on Sunday that the suspect, Aqueel Sheikh, who has a criminal background, was arrested within six hours of the complaint being filed.
“An FIR was registered under sections BNS 74 (inappropriate behaviour) and BNS 78 (stalking). The accused was produced before the court and remains in police custody. We are seeking judicial remand,” Dandotiya said.
The alleged incident occurred on October 23, when two Australian players left their team hotel in Indore to visit a nearby café ahead of their match against South Africa. The players later reported that they were “inappropriately touched” during the outing, prompting a formal complaint by the Australian team’s security in-charge.
(With inputs from Agencies)
