Two female players from the Australian women’s cricket team were reportedly followed and molested by a motorcyclist in the city of Indore while walking back to their hotel after visiting a café. According to police sources, the cyclist touched one of the players inappropriately before fleeing; CCTV footage and a motorcycle registration number helped authorities trace and arrest the accused.
In response, the state police acted swiftly, arresting the alleged perpetrator and beginning investigation under various legal provisions.
Statement by the minister and ensuing backlash
The incident drew further controversy when the state minister, Kailash Vijayvargiya, commented that the molestation should serve as a “lesson for them” — referring to the visiting athletes — a remark that was widely condemned as insensitive. He reportedly said this in the context of urging foreign athletes to coordinate more closely with local security.
His comment sparked criticism that it appeared to shift responsibility away from the assailant and onto the victims, undermining the seriousness of the crime and the role of authorities in ensuring safety.
Wider implications and safety concerns
The incident and the minister’s remark have reignited concerns over women’s safety in public spaces, especially for visiting sports personnel. Critics argue that no matter how well-maintained roads or facilities are, they are of little use if women cannot move about safely.
Sporting bodies also weighed in. For example, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a statement describing the event as “very condemnable” and reaffirmed a “zero tolerance” stance on such misconduct. They said: “India is known for its hospitality and care. We have zero tolerance for such incidents… We assure to revisit our safety protocols if required to further tighten the security.” (Source: external coverage)
The backlash reflects growing expectation that authorities must not only investigate but also proactively protect guests from harassment, and that public figures must speak responsibly around such sensitive incidents.
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