Union Minister and BJP leader Raksha Khadse has lodged a police complaint against several youths, accusing them of harassing her minor daughter and other girls during the Sant Muktai Yatra in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district. The incident, which occurred two days ago, has sparked outrage, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis vowing strict action against the accused.
The Sant Muktai Yatra, an annual religious procession held on the occasion of Mahashivratri, witnessed an unfortunate turn when Khadse’s daughter and other young girls faced harassment. Speaking to reporters after filing the complaint, the Union Minister said, “Some youths harassed my daughter during the yatra. I went to the police station to lodge a complaint against them.”
The accused reportedly not only engaged in harassment but also confronted and threatened the minister’s security personnel. According to reports, some of the alleged perpetrators have criminal backgrounds and are linked to Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) MLA Chandrakant Patil.
Fadnavis Promises Stern Action
Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the act and assured strict action against the accused. “There are some individuals from a particular political party involved in this shameful act. The police have registered a case, and some arrests have been made. Such harassment is unacceptable, and the culprits will not be spared,” he stated.
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Following the complaint, Khadse met with Fadnavis, who reiterated his commitment to ensuring justice. The Union Minister disclosed that many schoolgirls have come forward with similar allegations, stating that they too have been harassed on their way to school. “I have urged them to directly report such incidents to me and file complaints with the police,” she added.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement authorities have already made an arrest in connection with the case, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects. A senior police official handling the case provided details on the registered FIR.
“On February 28, during the yatra in Muktainagar taluka’s Kothali village, Aniket Ghui and six of his friends stalked and molested three to four girls. We have filed charges under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for stalking and molestation, as well as relevant provisions of the POCSO Act and IT Act. One accused has been arrested, and three teams have been deployed to track down the remaining suspects,” the official confirmed.
Growing Concerns Over Women’s Safety
The case has reignited concerns over women’s safety in public spaces, especially during large gatherings. The incident has drawn sharp reactions from political leaders and women’s rights activists, who are demanding swift justice and stronger measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As the investigation continues, authorities are calling for vigilance and urging victims to come forward with complaints to ensure accountability and justice.
