A shocking case of molestation involving two Australian women cricketers in Indore has ignited a major political uproar in Madhya Pradesh, with opposition parties accusing the ruling BJP government of failing to ensure women’s safety. The state government, meanwhile, emphasized its swift action in arresting the accused, identified as Aqeel Khan.

According to police reports, the two Australian players—currently participating in the Women’s World Cup being held in India—were inappropriately touched by a man on a motorcycle while walking from their hotel to a nearby café on Thursday evening, just a day after Australia’s win against England in Indore.

The players immediately informed their team’s security official, who then filed a formal complaint with the police. Acting on the complaint, authorities registered a case under Section 74 (outraging a woman’s modesty) and Section 78 (stalking) of the law.

Investigators managed to trace the suspect after an eyewitness provided the registration number of the motorcycle. Police later confirmed that Khan had a prior criminal record.

Political Reactions

The incident quickly snowballed into a political controversy, with opposition leaders targeting the BJP over deteriorating law and order.

“Shameful and disturbing. We claim progress, yet fail to protect women. What a disgrace,” said Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari held Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directly responsible, noting that Indore falls under his personal supervision.

“This is the same Indore directly overseen by CM Mohan Yadav, who also holds the Home portfolio. Such incidents expose the reality of governance in the country’s ‘cleanest city’,” Patwari wrote.

The Congress party released a statement calling the episode “a reflection of the BJP’s failure to maintain women’s safety.”

“This incident tarnishes India’s image and violates our cultural ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God). When women players visiting from abroad are unsafe, what does that say about law and order?” the statement read.

Government Response

Seeking to contain the political fallout, Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya assured that the state would take exemplary action against the accused.

“We have directed officials to ensure the strictest possible punishment. Such acts will not be tolerated,” he said.

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Ajay Singh Yadav stated that the government was considering new legal provisions to strengthen women’s safety.

“The BJP remains committed to protecting women and foreign nationals. Steps are being taken to ensure such incidents are not repeated,” he added.

The episode has sparked outrage both within India and internationally, raising fresh questions about women’s safety and law enforcement in one of the country’s most prominent cities.