‘Such things Happen in Big Cities’: Karnataka HM

Karnataka Home Minister’s Comment on Molestation Sparks Outrage Bengaluru:

A disturbing incident of molestation in Bharathi Layout, Bengaluru, has triggered public anger—not only over the crime itself but also due to a controversial comment by Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara. The incident, which occurred at 1:52 AM on April 3, was captured on CCTV. The footage shows a man stalking two women, allegedly holding one against a wall and molesting her. When asked about the incident, Parameshwara said: “In a big city like Bengaluru, incidents like this do take place here and there.”

The remark quickly drew flak from various quarters, including the BJP, who labeled Parameshwara a “serial offender” when it comes to insensitive statements.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla strongly criticized the minister: “This is a brazen display of a misogynistic, patriarchal, sexist, and obnoxious mindset. Crimes against women have increased by 50% in Congress-ruled Karnataka, and yet the Home Minister chooses to trivialize such serious offences.” Despite the backlash, Parameshwara defended the police, stating they were working “round-the-clock, in rain and cold,” to prevent crimes, which he described as “unfortunate, albeit not uncommon in a city the size of Bengaluru.” CCTV footage of the incident was made public by Lokesh Gowda, a local businessman. However, the women involved—migrants who have lived in Bengaluru for just over a year—chose not to file a complaint or record a statement, according to police. The BJP has demanded that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra respond to the Home Minister’s remarks. This incident once again raises urgent questions about women’s safety in urban India—and the accountability of leaders responsible for protecting them.

Karantaka home minister G Parameshwara (Photo)