Karnataka Minister Sparks Controversy Over Bengaluru Molestation Case

 Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has come under fire for his remarks regarding a molestation incident in Bengaluru. On Monday, he stated that such incidents "tend to happen" in a big city like Bengaluru, a comment that has sparked widespread criticism and debate.

Minister’s Remarks and Police Response

Speaking about the shocking incident in Bharati Layout, Suddaguntepalya, where a woman was groped on the street by an unidentified man, Parameshwara emphasized that legal action would be taken against the perpetrator. He also directed the police to increase beat patrolling to prevent such incidents in the future.

However, his statement that incidents like these are inevitable in big cities has not gone down well with many. Critics argue that such comments downplay the severity of crimes against women and reflect a lack of urgency in addressing the issue.

Incident Details and Public Outrage

The disturbing incident, which took place in the early hours of April 3, was captured on CCTV footage and quickly went viral on social media. The footage shows a man approaching two women, pushing one of them against a wall, groping her, and then fleeing. The victim has not yet filed a complaint, but the Bengaluru Police registered a suo motu case, invoking Section 354B (assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe a woman) of the Indian Penal Code.

This case has reignited concerns over women’s safety in Bengaluru, particularly given that crime against women in the city surged in 2023, with 3,260 cases registered, including 1,135 molestation cases, according to official data.

Political and Public Backlash

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla strongly condemned Parameshwara’s comments, calling them misogynistic, patriarchal, and sexist. He criticized the government for its failure to catch the accused and accused the minister of trivializing the gravity of the crime rather than taking decisive action.

Many citizens and activists have also expressed outrage, demanding stricter law enforcement, better street surveillance, and more accountability from government officials when addressing crimes against women.

A Recurring Issue?

This is not the first such incident in Bengaluru. In August last year, a woman was groped during her morning walk in the Konanakunte area. The accused, a cab driver, was arrested two days later. Such recurring cases highlight the urgent need for systematic improvements in women’s safety in the city.

The Way Forward

While the Karnataka Police have taken suo motu cognizance of the case, the larger issue of women’s safety remains unaddressed. The government must move beyond rhetoric and reactionary measures and focus on long-term solutions, including:

• Stronger law enforcement & quicker action against offenders

• Increased surveillance in vulnerable areas

• Public awareness campaigns on reporting crimes

• Holding leaders accountable for their statements and actions

As Bengaluru grapples with rising cases of crimes against women, citizens are calling for more than just words—they demand real action and a safe environment for all.