On Australian cricketers’ molestation in Indore, BJP MLA cites arrested man’s religion: ‘Efforts to defame…’
In the wake of a distressing molestation incident involving two Australian female cricketers in Indore, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator in Madhya Pradesh has invoked the accused’s religious identity, framing the episode as part of a broader scheme to undermine both Indian traditions and Islam itself.
The episode unfolded on October 23, when the players encountered harassment from a local man, prompting swift intervention by authorities. The suspect, identified as Akil Khan, was promptly detained and placed behind bars, with reports indicating he faced physical reprimand during the process.
Addressing reporters in the state capital of Bhopal, BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma described the occurrence as deeply regrettable, emphasizing the Madhya Pradesh government’s resolute response. “The incident that took place in Indore is very unfortunate. And the government of Madhya Pradesh has taken it very seriously. Some offender named Akil has been caught and put in jail. He was also given a due beating!” Sharma stated to news agency ANI and other outlets, speaking in Hindi.
Sharma, however, escalated his commentary by labeling Khan—whose Muslim background he explicitly highlighted—as one of “some illegitimate children” intent on “conspiring to defame Indian culture.” He drew parallels to unrelated past events, including individuals who allegedly obstructed doctors administering coronavirus vaccines during the 2020–21 pandemic by spitting at them. The MLA also referenced a reported case in neighboring Uttar Pradesh, where a 13-year-old Muslim girl faced alleged harassment from a Muslim cleric.
Underscoring a commitment to women’s protection irrespective of faith or nationality, Sharma declared: “Whether the daughter is Hindu or Muslim, guaranteeing the safety of daughters is our guarantee. Whether the daughter belongs to India or Australia, her safety is also our guarantee.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) echoed the sentiment on Saturday, labeling the matter “unfortunate” and urging decisive measures against the perpetrator.
Sharma concluded with a pointed admonition aimed at the accused and potential enablers: “We want to tell those who are doing this kind of insolence – and also those people who foster/support them — that they should stop these kinds of acts that defame Islam. This brings disrepute to the religion of Islam.” He indicated that rigorous penalties loomed, potentially including invocation of the National Security Act (NSA), a stringent preventive detention statute that permits authorities to hold suspects for up to 12 months to safeguard national security, public order, and vital services.
The remarks have spotlighted tensions around communal narratives amid a high-profile international sports visit, as investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the arrest in Indore.