NEW DELHI — A senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh minister, Kailash Vijayvargiya, has sparked outrage after suggesting that two Australian women cricketers, who were allegedly harassed in Indore last week, would “learn a lesson” and be more cautious in the future.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning when the players left their hotel for a café following Australia’s six-wicket win over England in the Women’s World Cup. A motorcyclist allegedly approached and inappropriately touched them. Police later arrested a 30-year-old man with a criminal record in connection with the case.
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Vijayvargiya said on Sunday that the incident should be seen as “a lesson for everyone,” claiming that while there was a security lapse, the players should have informed local authorities before going out. “Players are very popular, so they should be careful. They didn’t inform anyone before leaving — they’ll learn a lesson and stay cautious in the future,” he said, according to NDTV.
Authorities confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) had been registered under sections dealing with assault and stalking. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotiya said the accused was identified and arrested following an “intensive strategic operation.”
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Cricket Australia called the incident “deeply regrettable” and said it was working closely with Indian authorities. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also condemned the act, praising police for their swift response and pledging to review security protocols to prevent such incidents.