Karnataka Home Minister Issues Apology Amid Outrage Over Remarks On Groping Incident

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has issued an apology following intense criticism over his comments on a recent sexual assault incident in Bengaluru. His earlier remarks, made in response to the molestation of a woman in Suddaguntepalya, were widely condemned for appearing to trivialise the gravity of the crime. The incident, captured on video and circulated on social media, showed a man groping a woman on a dimly lit street, sparking public outrage.

Parameshwara, while commenting on the case, had said, “In a big city like Bengaluru, here and there incidents like this do take place”. The comment triggered a wave of criticism from citizens, activists, and political opponents, who accused the minister of displaying insensitivity towards the plight of women and the seriousness of sexual violence.

Following the uproar, Parameshwara clarified that his remarks were misunderstood and insisted that he had no intention of undermining the seriousness of the crime, as per a report on NDTV. 

"My statement has not been understood correctly. I have always been deeply concerned about the safety of women and I have always ensured that the Nirbhaya Fund is used for the safety of women," he said.

However, the damage from his initial remarks had already stirred political reactions, with the opposition BJP launching a scathing attack.

BJP Demands Resignation

The party demanded that top Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra take action by seeking Parameshwara’s resignation. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla called Parameshwara a “serial offender,” alleging that he had made similar statements in the past that trivialised crimes against women, including incidents reported in 2017.

Poonawalla further accused the Congress leader of perpetuating a “shocking, misogynist, patriarchal, sexist and obnoxious mindset” by trying to normalise such serious crimes. "Police are working continuously round-the-clock ignoring rain and cold. That is why there is peace in Bengaluru. In a big city like Bengaluru, here and there incidents like this do take place," the minister said, as per PTI.

"Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should break silence and seek resignation from G Parameshwara," he added.

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