By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jeetu Patwari has strongly condemned the shocking incident in Indore, where two Australian women cricketers — in the city to participate in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 — were reportedly harassed by an unidentified motorcyclist. One of the players was allegedly subjected to inappropriate advances, an act Patwari described as “a disgrace not only to the individuals concerned but to the entire state’s law and order machinery.”
He said the incident had tarnished Madhya Pradesh’s and India’s image on the international stage, particularly during a global sporting event. “This is a matter of collective shame. Law and order have completely collapsed in Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Minister must take immediate cognisance, identify those responsible, and ensure stringent punishment,” Patwari said.
Highlighting that this was not an isolated incident, Patwari claimed crimes against women were steadily rising across the state. He blamed the BJP government’s apathy for emboldening criminals and cited poor policing and lack of night patrolling as key reasons behind such lapses, especially in major urban centres like Indore, frequented by international visitors.
Patwari demanded that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav constitute a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the incident, including the possible negligence of local police officers. He insisted that the culprit be arrested within 24 hours and given the harshest possible punishment.
The Congress leader further urged the state government to strengthen night patrolling and provide gender-sensitivity training to police personnel. Calling the incident “a symbol of systemic failure,” he warned that if the government failed to act swiftly, it would face mounting public outrage.
Patwari said the Congress would raise the matter in the Legislative Assembly, stressing that such negligence not only jeopardises sporting events but also harms tourism and investor confidence.
