Maharashtra Crime: Union Minister's Minor Daughter Harassed At A Fair In Jalgaon; 1 Arrested

Raksha Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports on Sunday expressed concerns about women's safety in Maharashtra after her minor daughter faced harassment at a fair in Jalgaon district. According to the reports, the incident took place on February 26, 2025, and today, she went to a police station to file a complaint in the matter, accompanied by numerous party workers and supporters.

This incident is also being highlighted by the Opposition in the state, which is trying to round up Devendra Fadnavis Government on grounds of the law-and-order situation in Maharashtra.

Talking to the media, Minister said, "A yatra is organized every year in Kothali on the occasion of Shivratri. My daughter went to this fair the day before yesterday and she was harassed by some boys. I have come to the police station to file a complaint."

Khadse who expressed disappointment with the law and order situation stated that she has approached the police not as a Union Minister but as a mother seeking justice.

She questioned the safety of ordinary citizens if even ministers' families are not secure. "If my own daughter is not safe, what will be the condition of others? I will demand strict action from the state government for the implementation of the law," she said.

Concerns Over Law and Order

Swiftly reacting to the complaint, police held an accused in the case. Kushanat Pingde, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Muktainagar, told media that several girls were harassed by the accused who also clashed with their bodyguards.

Seven individuals have been named in connection with this case, and one arrest has been made so far. He assured that there was no political pressure influencing their actions.

The charges filed include molestation under POCSO Act and IT Act violations due to videos being taken of the girls. The incident has intensified scrutiny over Maharashtra's law enforcement effectiveness.

Political Reactions Intensify

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal criticized Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following this event. He demanded Fadnavis' resignation while accusing Mahayuti - BJP's ruling coalition - of failing to maintain law and order in Maharashtra.

"There has been a huge increase in atrocities against women and girls in the state due to the presence of goons. If the daughters of Union Ministers are not safe, it is better not to think about the condition of the children of common people," he said in an online post.

Chief Minister Responds

Addressing these concerns, Mr Fadnavis acknowledged that workers from a specific party were involved in this crime. He promised stringent action against those responsible: "Unfortunately, crime involved workers from a particular party. Cops have registered a case and arrested some people. The rest will be arrested soon. Those involved will not be spared."