Molestation of Australian cricketers in Indore triggers outrage; opposition blames BJP for deteriorating law and order

The players, who were in Indore for the Women’s Cricket World Cup, were walking from their hotel to a café when a man on a motorcycle allegedly followed them and groped one of them.

He sped away, but a witness managed to record his bike’s number, enabling police to identify and arrest him with the help of CCTV footage.

The accused, Aqeel, was taken into custody on Friday.

Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari said that incidents like this reflect the collapse of law and order under the BJP regime.

He remarked that Indore, known for its hospitality, is witnessing crimes that erode public confidence in the police.

Patwari added that Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, who is also the home minister, owes an explanation for the state’s security failure.

Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi demanded that the government act swiftly to deliver justice and implement stricter measures to prevent such crimes.

He called the incident deeply distressing, saying it underscored how women’s safety — whether for Indian citizens or foreign guests — should be non-negotiable. Singhvi added that remaining silent in the face of such crimes would make the administration complicit and urged immediate corrective action.

The Trinamool Congress also joined the criticism. General secretary Kunal Ghosh said the assault, taking place during an international tournament in a BJP-ruled state, has embarrassed the country globally. He demanded a transparent investigation to restore India’s image.

TMC spokesperson Sudip Raha called the episode horrifying and accused the BJP of failing the very ideals it claims to uphold under its Beti Bachao campaign.

He said that before criticising Bengal, BJP leaders should examine their own governance, as such crimes show that even foreign guests are unsafe under their rule.

Cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said the government would ensure the harshest punishment for the perpetrator.

Echoing him, BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma said the crime had disgraced Indore, stressing that it is the state’s duty to protect women — whether Indian or foreign.He announced that the accused would face stringent action under the National Security Act.

In a separate video statement, Sharma warned that the accused would be punished so severely that it would serve as a lesson for generations to come.