An Indian minister has sparked controversy by suggesting that two female Australian cricketers, who were “touched inappropriately” last week in Indore, should have informed authorities before leaving their hotel. Critics say his remarks amount to victim blaming.
The incident occurred on Thursday in Madhya Pradesh as the players were walking to a cafe. Police have arrested the man responsible.
Cricket Australia confirmed the players “were approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist” the morning after Australia’s victory over England.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) condemned the incident, calling it “a deeply regrettable and isolated incident,” and promised to review and strengthen safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences.
Despite this, Kailash Vijayvargiya, a state minister, stirred further controversy by suggesting the incident was “a lesson for authorities as well as the players” who, he said, should have informed security or hotel administration before stepping out.
Street harassment of women remains a widespread problem in India, but Thursday’s case drew particular attention due to the international profile of the players during the Women’s World Cup.
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar called for decisive action against the perpetrator. “You lock him up and throw the keys away. That’s the only way such criminals should be treated,” he told India Today TV.
