Union Minister Raksha Khadse's Daughter Assaulted, Opposition Criticizes Government Inaction

Jalgaon (Maharashtra), March 2 (NationPress) In a distressing incident, Union Minister of State Raksha Khadse’s daughter along with three other girls faced molestation at the hands of a group of miscreants.

The event occurred during the Sant Muktai Yatra (holy fair) in Kothali village, located in the Muktainagar taluka of Jalgaon district in Maharashtra on Friday night.

Following reports from the minister's security guard, Muktainagar police registered a case early Saturday morning under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, IT Act, and Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. So far, one individual has been detained.

Raksha Khadse, who represents the Raver Constituency in Jalgaon district and is the daughter-in-law of former BJP leader Eknath Khadse, has adopted an assertive stance, demanding stringent action against those responsible for the molestation of her daughter. “If the daughter of a Union minister and an MP is not safe, what about others? I intend to approach the Chief Minister to demand further measures regarding such incidents?” an indignant Raksha Khadse stated.

The chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women Commission, Rupali Chakankar, informed IANS, “I am in ongoing communication with the police, who have already filed a case. Stern action will be taken against those implicated in this incident.”

Raksha Khadse recounted, “Just two days prior (Friday), this incident occurred. On the occasion of Mahashivratri, there was a holy fair of Sant Muktabai. Many individuals attend. I was in Gujarat at the time, and my daughter called me on Friday expressing her desire to attend the fair. I advised her to bring a security guard along with a few friends for safety due to the large crowds. Yet, upon arrival, some miscreants pursued them. They settled next to their cradle. When our security guard attempted to move them, the miscreants began harassing them. They even assaulted the security guard and taunted the girls. Regardless of who is in power, when complaints reach the administration, serious actions must follow.”

She further mentioned that the miscreants were recording videos, which were subsequently deleted after the intervention of the security guard.

“I approached the police station not as a Union Minister or MP, but as a mother seeking justice. If my own daughter cannot feel secure, what about others? The state government must impose the strictest measures in this matter. I will also advocate for rigorous enforcement of the law,” Raksha Khadse asserted.

Eknath Khadse, now an NCP legislator in the state council, commented, “What occurred to the girl in my family reflects a broader social issue. Numerous such incidents transpire in Maharashtra, many of which go unreported. Raksha Khadse’s daughter, however, has bravely come forward.”

He further stated, “There has been a significant rise in hooliganism within my constituency (Muktainagar). I have repeatedly informed the government about this, yet no actions have been taken to address these incidents, which seem to receive protection from local representatives and politicians. I plan to raise this matter in the upcoming budget session starting Monday.”

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis suggested potential involvement from activists of a specific political party in the molestation of Raksha Khadse’s daughter. He affirmed that the police would take decisive action against them. The Chief Minister noted that one person has been detained, with police efforts ongoing to apprehend others.

In the meantime, opposition parties have criticized the state government for its inaction amidst deteriorating law and order and escalating violence against women.

The State Congress chief, Harshwardhan Sapkal, has called for the resignation of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, stating it is shameful that a Union minister must visit a police station to demand the arrest of eve teasers. “Women are unsafe due to the political protection enjoyed by criminals; the state requires a full-time and capable minister,” he remarked.

Sapkal also emphasized the need for a competent DGP, suggesting that the current officer, Rashmi Shukla, should be relieved of her duties. The Congress Legislature Party leader, Vijay Wadettiwar, criticized the state government for the distressing situation wherein a Union minister must directly approach police for the arrest of suspects.

“We have long asserted that police no longer instill fear in the state because gangsters receive political protection from the Mahayuti government. The grand alliance government, which is portrayed as the government of the beloved sister, has been held accountable by its own central minister. Will the Chief Minister and two Deputy Chief Ministers finally take notice?” he inquired.

NCP-SP spokesperson Amol Matele also held the state government responsible for the rising incidents of sexual assault and molestation against women in Maharashtra. He urged the government to establish a special task force to ensure the safety and security of women.

This incident surfaced amidst ongoing outrage over the rape of a 26-year-old woman on a state transport bus in the Swargate bus depot in Pune earlier this week. The primary suspect, Dattatray Gade, has been arrested and is currently in police custody.