Union Minister’s Daughter Harassed at Maharashtra Fair, Leader Questions Women’s Safety

Mumbai: A minor daughter of Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, was harassed at a fair in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district, triggering concerns over women’s safety. The incident led to a strong reaction from the BJP leader, who questioned the law and order situation in the state.

Ms. Khadse visited the police station on Sunday to file a 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," Ms. Khadse told reporters.

Expressing her distress, she added, "I have come as a mother seeking justice, not as a Union Minister and MP."

Accused Harassed Multiple Girls at Fair 

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (Muktainagar) Kushanat Pingde, the accused harassed multiple girls at the fair and even clashed with their bodyguards when they tried to intervene. Seven people were named in the case, and one of the accused was arrested.

"A case has been lodged for molestation and under the POCSO Act. Charges under the IT Act have also been added since the accused clicked videos of the girls," Pingde said.

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Minister Questions Safety in Maharashtra

Ms. Khadse raised concerns over the safety of common citizens, questioning how such incidents could happen even to the families of public representatives.

"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 stated.

Highlighting the rise in crimes against women, she said many victims hesitate to report such incidents out of fear.

"We must not stay silent. I will meet the Chief Minister and demand strict action on such incidents," the three-time MP from Raver seat said.

Fadnavis Promises Strict Action

Responding to the allegations, CM Fadnavis assured swift action, claiming that workers of a "particular party" were involved in the incident.

"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. Strictest action will be taken against them," Fadnavis said.

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Opposition Demands CM Fadnavis’ Resignation

The Congress party seized the opportunity to attack the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti government over law and order failures.

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal demanded CM Devendra Fadnavis’ resignation, citing a rise in atrocities against women in the state.

"There has been a huge increase in crimes against women and girls due to the presence of goons. If the daughters of Union Ministers are not safe, imagine the condition of common people’s children," Sapkal said in an online post.

Recent Crimes Fuel Concerns

This incident follows the shocking Pune rape case, where a 26-year-old woman was sexually assaulted inside an empty bus at the Swargate depot. The accused, Dattatray Ramdas Gade, was arrested after a massive manhunt using drones and sniffer dogs.

Gade, a history sheeter facing multiple cases of theft, robbery, and chain-snatching, had been out on bail since 2019. The Pune case, along with the harassment of the Union Minister’s daughter, has intensified the debate over women’s safety in Maharashtra.