“Molestations Happen in Big Cities”: Karnataka Home Minister’s Remark on Bengaluru Incident Sparks Outrage

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Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has come under fire for his controversial remarks in response to a recent molestation case in Bengaluru, where a woman was attacked by an unknown man on a deserted street in Bharati Layout, Suddaguntepalya, in the early hours of April 3.

The CCTV footage, which has since gone viral, shows the victim being pushed against a wall by a man, while another woman walks alongside her. The perpetrator then flees the scene.

Reacting to the incident, Parameshwara said, “Incidents like these tend to happen here and there in a big city like this. Whatever legal action needs to be taken will be done in accordance with the law. I have also instructed our commissioner to increase beat patrolling.”

The minister’s statement has triggered massive backlash from citizens, opposition parties, and women’s rights groups, who accuse him of downplaying the severity of the crime and normalising sexual violence in urban spaces. Social media platforms erupted in outrage, with users demanding accountability and a more sensitive approach from those in power.

The Bengaluru Police, acting on the CCTV footage, registered a suo motu FIR under sections 74, 75, and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deal with offences related to stalking and sexual harassment. “A probe is underway, and we are trying to trace the victim to file a formal complaint,” said DCP Southeast Sarah Fathima.

Meanwhile, calls for enhanced safety measures and proactive policing have grown louder. Activists argue that remarks such as Parameshwara’s only serve to undermine public trust in law enforcement and discourage survivors from coming forward.

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