Union Minister Raksha Khadse lodged a police complaint on Sunday after a group of boys allegedly harassed her daughter and her friends during an event in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis later confirmed that some of the accused, who are linked to a political party, have been arrested.
The complaint was filed at Muktainagar police station regarding the incident, which took place on Friday night at the Sant Muktai Yatra in Kothali village, Muktainagar.
Speaking to the media, BJP leader Khadse explained, “I was in Gujarat when my daughter called to ask for permission to attend the event. I advised her to take a security guard and two to three staff members along. Despite this, she and her friends were followed, pushed, and filmed without their consent. When my staff objected, the boys misbehaved, and a mob of nearly 30 to 40 people gathered.”
Upon returning home the next morning, Khadse’s daughter informed her that the same group had harassed her earlier, on February 24, during another public event.
“It is deeply concerning. If such incidents can happen to the daughter of a Union Minister, one can only imagine the struggles faced by ordinary citizens,” Khadse said.
She further stated that local residents in Muktainagar had complained about the same group of boys harassing school-going girls in the area.
Khadse confirmed that she had spoken to Chief Minister Fadnavis and the Deputy Superintendent of Police, demanding strict action against the accused.
Responding to the incident, CM Devendra Fadnavis assured the public that the local police have arrested some of the accused and filed a case. He emphasized that stringent action would be taken against them.
Meanwhile, opposition parties seized the opportunity to criticize the ruling Mahayuti government.
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal claimed that the state’s law and order situation had deteriorated under the current government.
“The harassment of a Union Minister’s daughter, along with the assault on security personnel, is alarming. It highlights the unsafe conditions for women and girls in Maharashtra,” he remarked.
Sapkal alleged that Khadse had to personally visit the police station as authorities were slow to arrest the accused.
“Crimes against women are rising in the state. If the daughter of a minister is unsafe, the condition of ordinary citizens is unimaginable,” he added.
He further criticized Fadnavis, who also holds the Home Ministry portfolio, stating that he had “lost focus” and should resign from the position, making way for a full-time Home Minister to ensure women’s safety.
Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar also slammed the government, stating, “The fact that a minister’s daughter was harassed despite having security raises serious concerns about law enforcement in Maharashtra.”
He accused the police of lacking authority, claiming that gangsters and criminals receive political protection under the current administration.
“Khadse’s direct intervention at the police station speaks volumes. The Mahayuti government has been exposed by one of its own ministers. Will this finally wake up the Chief Minister and his deputies?” Wadettiwar questioned.
As political debates intensify, all eyes are now on the state government’s response to this serious incident.