March 3, Maharashtra: In a disturbing incident that has raised serious concerns about women’s safety, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse filed a police complaint on Sunday after her minor daughter and her friends were allegedly molested at a fair in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district. The incident occurred during the annual Sant Muktai Yatra, organized as part of the Maha Shivratri festival on February 28.
Khadse, visibly distressed, addressed reporters outside the police station, stating that she was filing the complaint as a mother seeking justice, not as a Union Minister or Member of Parliament. “My daughter went to the fair the day before yesterday and was harassed by some boys. She was followed and pushed, and her photos and videos were taken without consent. When my staff intervened, the situation escalated, and a mob of 30 to 40 people gathered,” she said.
The minister revealed that her daughter had also faced similar harassment from the same group of boys on February 24 at another public event. Khadse, who was in Gujarat at the time of the incident, had instructed her daughter to take a guard and a few staff members for safety. However, the presence of security personnel did not deter the accused from misbehaving.
The accused have been identified as Aniket Bhui, Piyush More, Soham Mali, Anuj Patil, Chetan Bhui, Sachin Palve, and Kiran Madi. According to reports, Aniket Bhui already has four criminal cases registered against him, while the others have no prior records. Soham Mali has been arrested, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend the remaining six individuals.
The incident has sparked outrage, especially in the wake of the recent Pune bus rape case, highlighting the persistent issue of women’s safety in public spaces. Khadse condemned the incident and expressed concern over the safety of ordinary citizens, emphasizing that even the families of ministers are not immune to such crimes. “If this can happen to my daughter, imagine the plight of common people. We need to address this issue urgently,” she said.
The case has reignited debates about the need for stricter enforcement of laws, better security at public events, and greater awareness about gender sensitivity. Authorities are under pressure to ensure swift justice for the victims and take preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges women and girls face in India, even in the presence of security measures. It underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to create safer environments for all.
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