India, Oct. 25 -- A lawmaker from the ruling BJP in Madhya Pradesh reacted sharply - referencing religion, woman safety, and India's pride - after two Australian woman cricket players faced molestation by a man in Indore on October 23.

"The incident that took place in Indore is very unfortunate. And the government of Madhya Pradesh has taken it very seriously. Some offender named Akil has been caught and put in jail. He was also given a due beating!" said BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma, speaking to news agency ANI and others in Hindi in state capital Bhopal.

He then referred to the accused Akil Khan, a Muslim, as being among "some illegitimate children" who "conspire to defame Indian culture". He alleged that "some such people" spat at doctor...