NCW seeks report from cops on New Year's Eve molestation

The National Commission for Women has sought a report from the Bengaluru police on the assault on women that occurred on the night of December 31.

Member of the commission, Sushma Sahu, met Director General & Inspector General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Praveen Sood and Additional Commissioner of Police (West) Malini Krishnamoorthy in the DGP’s office on Monday afternoon.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Sahu said, “Bengaluru is known as an IT hub and young men and women from across the country come here to work. Until now, parents had the satisfaction of knowing that their children are safe. However, after the recent incidents, parents are having sleepless nights.”

She said the commission will look into cases of molestation of women on Brigade Road and into the Kammanahalli case. She has sought copies of FIRs, statements recorded and video footage from the police. Sahu also requested the media to cooperate and provide any photographic or video evidence to help identify the attackers. She will be back in the city to meet the Bengaluru police on Friday.

Sahu strongly condemned the remarks of Home Minister G Parameshwara, who said incidents such as the New Year’s eve molestation ‘do happen’, blaming it on the western attire and the ways of youngsters.

“Being a minister, he is supposed to be a guardian of people. His remarks are very irresponsible,” Sahu said. Remarks like these will make perpetrators of crime think that they are right. “I want to ask him whether wearing western clothes is permission for men to harass women.” She demanded that the minister furnish an apology to all women.