look news india
News India Live, Digital Desk: The statement of a state minister on the incident of molestation of Australian women cricketers in Indore, Madhya Pradesh has created a new and serious controversy. On one hand, this incident has brought shame to the country, while on the other hand, Tourism and Culture Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi has added insult to injury by calling it a “lesson” for the victims.
The shameful incident came to light last week when three Australian women cricketers – Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney and Jess Jonassen – who were holidaying in Indore, were allegedly molested by two men. The police acted swiftly and arrested both the accused.
What is the controversial statement of the minister?
Reacting to the incident on Monday, Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi first praised the state police for quick action but then gave a statement which is being criticized all around.
Minister Lodhi said, “This incident is definitely a lesson, not only for them (the accused) but also for them (the players) to be careful in the future.”
When journalists asked the minister to clarify whether he was blaming the victims, Lodhi stuck to his statement. He further said, “Look, we worship women in our country, but if there is no culture in a country and women roam around carefree, then it is the fault of those who look at them in a wrong light.”
There was an uproar over the statement, demand for resignation intensified
As soon as this statement of the minister became public, there was a stir in the political and social circles. The opposition has called this statement extremely insensitive, shameful and a disgusting example of “victim-blaming”.
The Congress party has demanded the immediate resignation of the minister. A leader of the Congress women’s wing said, “This statement is a classic case of ‘victim-shaming’, where the victim is being blamed instead of the culprit. This is condemnable and the Chief Minister should immediately remove him from his cabinet.”
Both this incident and the minister’s statement on it are extremely worrying. On one hand, India takes pride in its tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is like God), on the other hand, such incidents with foreign guests and such irresponsible statements by people holding responsible positions leave a deep stain on the image of the country.