Union Minister Raksha Khadse Reports Harassment of Daughter and Friends at Jalgaon Event

Union Minister Raksha Khadse filed a police complaint after her daughter and friends were harassed by a group of men at an event in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra. The incident took place during the Sant Muktai Yatra in Kothali village. Following the complaint, one person was arrested, and seven individuals were named in the FIR. Police are actively searching for the remaining accused.

The accused have been charged under various laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. They allegedly attempted to take unauthorised photos and videos of the girls, invoking provisions of the Information Technology Act. The bodyguards accompanying the girls identified the suspects involved in the incident.

Political Reactions and Concerns

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that those involved belong to a political party. He assured strict action against them, regardless of their political affiliations. "Those who harassed Khadse's daughter are from a political party," he said, adding that no leader has opposed taking action against them.

Raksha Khadse expressed her concerns about safety, highlighting that if such incidents can happen to a minister's daughter, ordinary citizens face even greater risks. She mentioned previous harassment by the same group on February 24 at another public event. Khadse has spoken with local authorities to ensure justice is served.

Law and Order Criticism

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal criticised the state government, claiming law and order have deteriorated under its leadership. He described the incident as alarming and indicative of women's insecurity in Maharashtra. Sapkal also called for Chief Minister Fadnavis to resign from his Home Minister role due to his perceived lack of focus on safety issues.

Eknath Khadse, Raksha Khadse's father-in-law and NCP SP leader, stated that these youths have been involved in criminal activities before but faced no significant consequences. He emphasised that crimes against women are rising in Maharashtra, with many victims hesitant to report incidents due to fear of exposure.

Further Developments

The Maharashtra Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar assured that they would monitor the case closely to ensure justice is served. She confirmed discussions with police officials regarding the incident. Meanwhile, Rohini Khadse, Raksha's sister-in-law, alleged that the accused are affiliated with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Vijay Wadettiwar, Congress Legislature Party leader, remarked that this incident reflects the current state of affairs in Maharashtra. He criticised the ruling Mahayuti for providing protection to criminals and questioned whether this would prompt action from state leaders.

The police have formed teams to apprehend those still at large. Raksha Khadse stressed the need for immediate arrests and highlighted local reports of similar harassment incidents involving schoolgirls in Muktainagar.

This case has sparked widespread concern about women's safety in Maharashtra, prompting calls for stronger enforcement and accountability from authorities. The ongoing investigation aims to bring all responsible parties to justice swiftly.