'Players are popular, so they should be careful': Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya's shocking reaction to Aussie cricketers' molestation in Indore

Speaking to the media, Vijayvargiya said people are crazy about cricketers who should be careful about their security and the molestation incident is a lesson for them.

The minister said, "Whenever players go outside, even when we go, we inform a local person. I think the players will learn a lesson that they should inform their security or local administration while going out. This is because people are crazy about cricket players much like football players in England. I have witnessed football players' clothes getting torn.

"While I was having coffee at a hotel, I saw how a footballer got mobbed, a girl kissed him and his clothes got torn. I can't remember his name but he is a very popular English player. Sometimes players don't realise their popularity. Players are popular so they should be careful. This incident is a lesson for everyone, for us as well as the players."

In a sharp reaction, Congress leader Shama Mohamed wrote on X, "Utterly shameful remarks by BJP minister in the MP government
@KailashOnline. He is lecturing women players, asking why they didn’t inform anyone before going out, and even calling it a “lesson” for them.

"He doesn’t understand the difference between fans’ excitement and stalking or molestation. BJP-RSS mindset has always been anti-women."

Vijayavargiya, who is known for his controversial remarks, had earlier courted a row by passing a comment on Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Vijayvargiya had strongly objected to Rahul's kisses to his sister Priyanka in public questioning who behaves in such a manner in public .

Cut to the Indore molestation incident, the accused, identified as Aqeel Khan, alias Nitra, has been arrested for molesting the two women cricketers, who are in India to participate in the ongoing Women's Cricket World Cup 2025.

The incident where two Australian players were allegedly stalked and touched inappropriately by a man on a motorcycle occurred in Indore, where the team was stationed for their group-stage matches in the tournament.

The cricketers were walking towards a nearby café when they were assaulted by the 29-year-old.

According to a police complaint filed by Danny Simmons, the team’s security in charge, Aqeel approached the players on his bike, tried to grab one of them, and sped away.

He returned shortly after and groped the other cricketer before fleeing the scene.

Unafraid of the consequences, he repeated the offence within minutes, raising concerns about women’s safety in the state.

Terrified, the players immediately sent an SOS to their security head.

The accused said he was only trying to take a selfie with the cricketers.