Opposition leaders slammed Vijayvargiya’s remarks as “regressive and irresponsible,” accusing him of victim-blaming instead of focusing on women’s safety. The incident, occurring during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, has sparked global outrage and renewed concerns about India’s image and athlete security.
BY PC Bureau
October 27, 2025 — Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has sparked widespread outrage for suggesting that two Australian women cricketers “should learn a lesson” after one of them was molested in Indore last week. The minister’s remarks — made while India is hosting the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 — have been widely condemned as victim-blaming and insensitive.
Instead of focusing on the apparent security lapse, Vijayvargiya suggested that the players should have informed the local administration before stepping out, citing their “popularity” in India.
“I have personally witnessed football players’ clothes tearing because of crowds. An English footballer once stayed at a hotel with me, and suddenly a large number of young fans gathered. Someone took his autograph, a girl kissed him, and his clothes tore. Players should be aware of their popularity. This incident is a lesson for everyone — both for us and for the players,” Vijayvargiya said.
He added that athletes should coordinate with the police to avoid such situations.
“Players must remember that when they leave their place, the police and local administration should be informed because there is a huge craze for cricketers in India,” he said.
SHAME ALERT 🚨
Instead of calling out the culprits who molested Australian women cricketers in MP,
Minister Kailash Vijay Vargiya is lecturing victims 💔
Ethics : 00% pic.twitter.com/6AmKOxguRO
— Amock_ (@Amockx2022) October 26, 2025
While the minister later described the incident as “shameful” and called for strict punishment for the accused, his earlier comments have overshadowed that appeal.
“It is shameful for Indore and for the country. We have ordered officials to take strict action. An example should be set by giving the harshest punishment to prevent such incidents,” he said.
Molestation in the Heart of Indore
According to police, the incident occurred early on Thursday morning near Khajrana Road, a popular locality in Indore known for its cafés and shopping lanes. The two Australian players — part of the national team participating in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 — had stepped out of their hotel for breakfast when a man on a motorcycle began following them.
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As per the FIR filed at the Khajrana Police Station, the man reportedly made lewd gestures, stalked them for several minutes, and then touched one of the players inappropriately before speeding away. Shocked and shaken, the players returned to their hotel and informed team management, who then alerted both the Indore Police and Cricket Australia officials.
Superintendent of Police (East) Priyanka Mishra said a dedicated team was immediately formed to track the suspect.
“We examined CCTV footage from over 40 locations in the area and used vehicle registration data to trace the accused,” Mishra said.
On Friday morning, police arrested a 24-year-old man identified as Prashant Tiwari, a local resident with prior complaints of harassment against him. He has been charged under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code.
The accused was produced before a magistrate and sent to judicial custody. A special team has also been tasked with reviewing security protocols for visiting players.
Global Spotlight and Image Crisis
The assault has cast a shadow over India’s hosting of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, with international media highlighting the incident as a major security and image setback. Several Australian outlets reported the story prominently, questioning whether India could guarantee safety for women players and tourists during the tournament.
Cricket Australia said in a statement that it was in close contact with the ICC and local authorities:
“We are deeply concerned by the incident involving two of our players in Indore. The safety and well-being of our athletes remain our top priority. We appreciate the swift response by Indian police.”
The ICC also issued a brief note assuring that “security measures have been reinforced for all teams.”
Political and Public Backlash
Vijayvargiya’s comments have drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum. Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Arun Yadav slammed the minister for his “regressive” mindset.
“This incident highlights the state’s failure to protect its guests in a country that believes in Atithi Devo Bhava. Instead of ensuring women’s safety, the minister is implying blame on the victims. This reflects a deeply patriarchal and troubling mindset,” Yadav said.
Women’s rights activists also criticised the minister for normalising harassment and diverting attention from the real issue — the failure of security arrangements for international athletes.
Social activist Ranjana Kumari said,
“It’s appalling that a senior minister would use such language. Victim-blaming discourages women from reporting crimes and sends a dangerous message to society.”
A Pattern of Controversy
This is not the first time Vijayvargiya has drawn criticism for controversial remarks on women and morality. In September, he courted controversy by making disparaging comments about Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, questioning public displays of affection between siblings.
“We come from an old culture. In our villages, we don’t even drink water from strangers’ homes. Today’s opposition leaders kiss their young sisters in public. Who among you would do that?” he had said, calling it “a sign of foreign upbringing and lost values.”
Such repeated remarks, critics argue, reflect a pattern of moral policing and gender insensitivity within sections of the political class.
The molestation of an international player has reignited concerns about the safety of women athletes in India. Experts warn that such incidents could tarnish the country’s reputation as a global sporting destination, especially ahead of upcoming major events.
Indore, known as India’s “cleanest city” and a frequent venue for international cricket, now faces questions over whether its “model city” image can coexist with safety failures on its streets.
As outrage grows, the incident has become more than just a criminal case — it has turned into a litmus test for how India protects women, responds to public outrage, and holds its leaders accountable.
