Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, has raised concerns over women’s safety in Maharashtra after her minor daughter was harassed at a fair in Jalgaon district. The incident, which took place during a Shivratri fair in Kothali, has sparked a political debate, with the opposition Congress criticizing the law and order situation in the state.
Incident and Police Action
Raksha Khadse, a BJP leader and three-time MP from Raver, visited the police station on Monday to lodge a formal complaint, accompanied by dozens of party workers and supporters.
“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 told reporters outside the station.
According to Kushanat Pingde, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Muktainagar, the accused misbehaved with several girls and even clashed with their bodyguards when they attempted to intervene. A case has been filed against seven accused, with charges including molestation, POCSO Act violations, and IT Act violations, as the accused also allegedly recorded videos of the girls. One suspect has already been arrested, and police are pursuing the others.
Minister Demands Strict Action
Expressing her distress, Khadse emphasized that she was seeking justice as a mother first, rather than as a Union Minister. She raised concerns over the safety of the general public, stating:
“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 also pointed out that crimes against women in Maharashtra have been rising, and many victims hesitate to come forward. She vowed to meet Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and demand stricter enforcement of laws to prevent such incidents.
Political Reactions
The incident has triggered a political row, with Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal slamming the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition and demanding Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s resignation over deteriorating law and order.
“If the daughters of Union Ministers are not safe, one can only imagine the condition of common citizens,” Sapkal wrote on social media.
In response, Fadnavis assured strict action, stating that the accused belonged to a particular party and that police were taking swift measures.
“Unfortunately, the 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,” Fadnavis stated.
Backdrop of Rising Crimes Against Women
This incident comes amid rising concerns over crimes against women in Maharashtra, particularly after the Pune rape case last week. In that case, a 26-year-old woman was raped inside an empty bus at Swargate depot, and the accused was later arrested from a paddy field.
The consecutive incidents have intensified public outcry over women’s safety, with political parties using them to attack each other ahead of crucial elections.
Police Investigation Ongoing
Meanwhile, police in Jalgaon continue their investigation into the Kothali fair incident, ensuring that all accused are brought to justice. The state government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring women’s safety and promised stricter enforcement of laws to prevent such cases in the future.
Sources By Agencies
