India

Kailash Vijayvargiya triggers political storm by victim-blaming Australian players in Indore molestation case

Remarks blaming Australian women cricketers for the Indore molestation incident have drawn widespread social media backlash. Many users criticized them as insensitive and regressive.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi | October 27, 2025 12:21 pm

Kailash Vijayvargiya triggers political storm by victim-blaming Australian players in Indore molestation case

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Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya recently said “players should learn a lesson,” and spared a political storm after two Australian women cricketers were allegedly molested in Indore during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

The comments came as the city reeled from the incident which occurred on October 23 when two players from the Australian team stepped out of their hotel to visit a nearby cafe ahead of their match against South Africa.

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A biker, identified as 29-year-old serial offender Aqeel Sheikh, allegedly molested the players in broad daylight. Police arrested him within hours, but the event has overshadowed the tournament and drawn international attention.

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Also Read: Congress protests across Madhya Pradesh over Vijayvargiya’s remarks against Rahul Gandhi

Kailash Vijayvargiya suggested that the players themselves bore some responsibility. “Whenever any player goes anywhere, even we inform at least one local person. This should remind the players that if they leave their venue, they should tell their security or local administration. Players are very popular, so they should be careful. This incident is a lesson for everyone, both for us and for the players,” he said.

He added, “There was a security lapse, but the players didn’t inform anyone before leaving. They will learn a lesson from this incident and stay cautious in the future.”

His remarks drew sharp criticism from political leaders and women’s rights groups. Senior Congress leader Arun Yadav called the minister’s statement “disgusting and regressive,” stating, “Instead of ensuring women’s safety, the minister is blaming the victims. The Chief Minister heads the Home Ministry, yet such incidents continue.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also condemned the comments on social media, calling them a reflection of a “pathetic mentality in government.” He wrote, “As embarrassing as this incident is, the minister saying it’s a lesson for the players makes it even worse. Is it a crime for a woman to walk in our cities? Instead of acting strongly on women’s safety, the minister’s nonsense is a disgrace.”

Even within the sporting fraternity, opinions were divided. Sanjay Jagdale, former president of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association, said, “It’s not possible for everyone to have security at all times. If a player goes somewhere without informing anyone, how will anyone know? Players also need to be vigilant.”

Social media reacts:

The leader’s remarks blaming the Australian women cricketers for the Indore molestation incident have been widely condemned on social media. Users across platforms slammed the minister for his insensitivity, calling his comments regressive and victim-blaming. 

Many highlighted the irony of his statement during a major international sporting event, pointing out that such remarks damage India’s image as a safe destination for global athletes.

Kailash Vijayvargiya’s earlier remarks on women

Vijayvargiya’s history of controversial remarks has added fuel to the fire. In June, he criticized women’s clothing, saying he doesn’t like girls who wear skimpy clothes. At a 2022 Hanuman Jayanti event, he stated, “We call women goddesses, but they don’t appear that way. God has given you a beautiful body. At least wear decent clothes.”

Also Read: Vijayvargiya sparks row over remarks on women’s clothing; Congress slams BJP’s mindset

Meanwhile, police have been clear about the investigation. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Rajesh Dandotiya said that Aqeel Sheikh has a criminal record. “The Australian team management reported inappropriate behaviour, and an FIR was registered under sections BNS 74 for harassment and BNS 78 for stalking. After a six-hour strategic operation, the accused was arrested. He appeared before the court and is being interrogated. We are seeking a judicial remand,” Dandotiya added.

The incident has sparked broader concerns about safety for international athletes in India. Fans and experts argue that while players and security teams need vigilance, the government and local authorities also bear responsibility for ensuring a safe environment during global sporting events.

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