Union Minister Raksha Khadse's daughter harassed in Jalgaon
What's the story
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Raksha Khadse, has filed a police complaint after her daughter was allegedly harassed.
The incident occurred during the Sant Muktai Yatra in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra.
"Some youths harassed her. I went to the police station to lodge a complaint against them," Khadse told reporters in Muktainagar on Sunday morning.
Security confrontation
Accused youths reportedly threatened minister's security
Reportedly, the accused confronted the minister's security personnel, grabbed their collars and threatened them.
Raksha's father-in-law and former minister Eknath Khadse expressed concern over the incident. He slammed the rising crimes against women in Maharashtra and the fearlessness of criminals.
"The police have already received several complaints against these youths in the past. These boys are hardened criminals," he said.
Official response
Chief Minister assures strict action against accused
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has promised strict action against those involved in the harassment incident. He said, "This kind of harassment is wrong; they cannot be forgiven, and strict action will be taken against them."
The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and IT Act for stalking and molestation.
One suspect has already been arrested, and efforts are on to nab others involved in this case.
Suspects identified
Police identify suspects in harassment case
A police official has identified Aniket Ghui and six others as participants in the "yatra" where they allegedly stalked and molested several girls.
The official confirmed one suspect has been arrested so far, and efforts are underway to apprehend the rest of the people involved in this case.
Meanwhile, State President of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) Rohini Khadse questioned how girls from ordinary families could feel safe if such an incident could happen with a union minister's daughter.