Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has issued an apology following public outrage over his comment in response to a recent sexual assault incident in Bengaluru.
The minister’s remark that “such incidents will happen in big cities” drew severe criticism, especially from opposition leaders and women's rights activists, who deemed it “insensitive” and “irresponsible.”
The furore began after CCTV camera footage in Bengaluru's BTM Layout went viral, in which a man groped a woman in a small alleyway and ran off when her friend stepped in to stop him. Though the woman hasn't come forward with a complaint, Bengaluru Police have filed a case of sexual harassment and assault on the basis of the clip.
Responding at first to the incident, Parameshwara had said, "In such a big city, such incidents will happen," and also asserted that the police were working round the clock and necessary action would be taken. But his words enraged the public, with people accusing him of playing down crimes against women.
Under pressure of increasing criticism, Parameshwara clarified his remark and offered regrets. "The thing that I said yesterday was not properly understood," he stated. "I have always been concerned very much about the safety of women and have tried to make effective use of Nirbhaya funds. If any woman has been offended by what I said, I regret it and apologize.
The opposition BJP was quick to condemn the minister. Former Deputy Chief Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan denounced the comments as "disgusting and demotivating," wondering if the minister was normalising sexual offenses. "People are losing faith due to such comments. As Home Minister, he should talk more responsibly," Narayan said.
BJP spokesmen also called for the government to be more serious about the safety of women in the city, particularly given increasing fears about street crimes and harassment.
Meanwhile, Parameshwara asserted that the city police have been directed to intensify patrolling and that legal action would be taken against the perpetrator in the viral video.
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