G Parameshwara.
Credit: DH Photo/S K Dinesh
Bengaluru: Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday found himself in a controversy for his remarks over a recent molestation incident in Bengaluru.
Responding to the incident on April 3, when a woman was molested while taking a walk in SG Palya, Parameshwara said: "Here and there, in a big city like Bengaluru, incidents happen.”
The SG Palya police registered an FIR under BNS sections 74 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 75 (sexual harassment) and 78 (stalking).
The incident occurred at 1.55 am in 1st Cross SG Palya, near Bharathi Layout. The two women were walking on the street when a man, whose face was not visible, grabbed one of them and harassed her. He fled the scene when the women screamed for help.
The home minister said that he frequently directs the Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda to be vigilant and make sure patrolling is effective in Bengaluru.
"Even this morning, I asked the commissioner to make the beat system effective. The police department works 24x7, be it rain or shine. This has led the city to remain peaceful,” he added.
Following Parameshwara's statement, the National Commission for Women (NCW) sought a public apology.
"On the directions of NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, the Commission has strongly objected to the insensitive remarks made by Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on the recent Bengaluru molestation case. Such statements trivialise crimes against women. NCW has written to the Governor & CM of Karnataka demanding a public apology from the Home Minister and urgent action to strengthen law and order," the NCW said in a statement on X.
Nearly a decade ago, a similar controversy erupted after the then home minister KJ George from the Congress government made similar remarks after a BPO employee was raped by two men.
George had then said: "How can you say gang rape? Gang rape means four-five people." After an outcry, George tendered an apology.
Disgusting shameful: The BJP blasted Parameshwara for his statement. Party state president B Y Vijayendra dubbed it as disgusting insensitive and shameful. Terming him "inefficient" the party asked him to "resign" if he can't protect citizens. Details on Page