'Lesson for Them': Kailash Vijayvargiya’s Controversial Remark After Australian Cricketers Molested in Indore

As India hosts the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, a disturbing crime in Indore has shaken the sporting spirit. Two Australian women cricketers were allegedly molested by a biker near their hotel in full public view.

The shocking incident has raised concerns over women's safety and questioned Madhya Pradesh's security preparedness. The matter further escalated after a controversial statement by state cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, which drew criticism from political leaders and activists alike.

Accused Arrested Shortly After Complaint

Police identified the accused as Aqeel alias Naitra, a 29-year-old habitual offender from Khajrana. He was arrested within hours after the complaint was filed. Authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing to ensure justice for the victims.

The case has caused outrage among the global cricket community, especially since it occurred during a prestigious international event featuring top women athletes from around the world. The incident has overshadowed the excitement of the ongoing World Cup.

'Players Should Learn a Lesson': Vijayvargiya's Comment Sparks Backlash

Instead of focusing entirely on the police failure, Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya's remarks have triggered strong reactions. He suggested that the players should take the incident as a reminder to be more cautious while traveling.

"Whenever any player goes anywhere, even when we go out, we always inform at least one local person. I think this will remind the players that in the future, if we leave our venue, we should inform our security or local administration before leaving, as there is a huge craze for cricket players. Cricket is a sport like football in England. I have seen football players' clothes being torn. We were staying at the hotel and having coffee. So many young men came over. Someone was asking for autographs from a famous player. A girl kissed him, and his clothes got torn. He was a very famous football player."

Vijayvargiya added, "Sometimes, players don't realise their popularity. Players are very popular, so they should be careful. This incident has happened; it's a lesson for everyone. It's a lesson for us and for the players as well."

Speaking to the media later, the minister said, "They didn't inform anyone, they didn't tell anyone. But they will learn a lesson from this incident and stay cautious in the future."

Opposition and Activists Condemn the Remarks

The minister's statement has been condemned by several political figures and women's rights activists. Critics accused him of shifting the blame onto the victims instead of addressing the failure in providing adequate safety measures.

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Arun Yadav called the comments "disgusting and regressive." He said, "This incident exposes the state's failure to protect its guests. Kailash ji's remark reflects a disturbing mindset; instead of ensuring women's safety, the minister is blaming the victims."

Yadav further added, "The Chief Minister himself heads the Home Ministry, and yet such incidents occur under his watch. This shows negligence and lack of accountability in the system." His response received strong support from party members and social media users.

The controversy has also divided opinions within the cricket fraternity. Former Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) president Sanjay Jagdale said, "Look, it's not possible for everyone to have security at all times. If a player goes somewhere without informing anyone, how will anyone know? If such an incident occurs, no one can be held responsible. In such a situation, players also need to be vigilant."

History of Controversial Statements by Vijayvargiya

Kailash Vijayvargiya has previously drawn criticism for his remarks about women and morality. Earlier this year, he made controversial comments about Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi during a public gathering.

"We are people of an old culture. In our sisters' village, Jirapur, we don't even drink water. My father used to bring a pot of water from home. Our opposition leaders today are such that they kiss their young sisters in the middle of the crossroads. I want to ask you who among you kisses your young sisters or daughters in public? This is a lack of values. These are foreign values; these came about from being brought up abroad."

During another event in Indore, Vijayvargiya stated, "I don't like girls who wear skimpy clothes. In the West, a woman wearing fewer clothes is considered beautiful. I don't agree with that. In India, we consider a girl beautiful when she dresses well, wears jewellery, and adorns herself gracefully."

He also mentioned, "Sometimes girls come to take selfies with me. I tell them, 'Beta, come in proper clothes next time, then we'll take a photo.'" His comments again faced widespread criticism from women's groups and netizens.

In 2022, during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, he remarked, "I won't lie on Hanuman Jayanti, but girls these days wear such filthy clothes. We call women goddesses, but they don't appear that way. They look like Shurpanakha. God has given you a beautiful body; at least wear decent clothes. Teach your children values."

Public Outrage and Political Fallout

Vijayvargiya's latest comment has reignited the debate about women's safety and the accountability of public officials. Several organizations have demanded an apology and urged the government to take strict action against offenders.

The incident has not only embarrassed the state during an international tournament but also drawn global attention to India's ongoing struggle with women's safety. The focus has now shifted from cricketing achievements to questions of responsibility and respect.