Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 8: Home Minister G Parameshwara has issued an apology for his controversial remarks about a sexual assault incident in Bengaluru, after his statement stirred widespread outrage.
Parameshwara’s apology came a day after he made the controversial comment, stating, “Such incidents happen here and there in a big city,” in reference to a sexual assault case that occurred in Bengaluru. His remarks triggered a storm of criticism from opposition leaders and the public.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Parameshwara sought to clarify his comments, saying, “I want to clarify my statement. It was miscommunicated to the public. If my statement has caused pain to our mothers and sisters, I express my sincere regret.”
The Home Minister defended his position, claiming that his statement had been distorted. “I have always stood for the protection of women. We have launched several initiatives, and our state has utilised a significant portion of the funds allotted under the Nirbhaya scheme,” he added.
In his defence, Parameshwara also addressed accusations of mismanagement, stating, “When the BJP was in power, should I reveal data on murders and other crimes? People will laugh if the BJP claims no crime occurred during its tenure.”
The controversy arose after a 17-second video showing a man groping a woman and then escaping went viral on Sunday. The incident occurred around 2 am on April 4 within the jurisdiction of the Sadduguntepalya police station. Following the circulation of the video, an FIR was filed by a local resident, and the police launched a search for the accused, collecting additional evidence in the case.
On Monday, Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra strongly criticised Parameshwara’s remarks, claiming they were an admission of the collapse of law and order under the current government. “Since the Congress came to power in Karnataka, there has been a continuous rise in crimes, including murder, robbery, extortion, assaults, and rapes targeting women and children,” Vijayendra said.
He added, “The Home Minister’s statement downplaying the harassment of a young woman in broad daylight as a ‘routine incident’ has tarnished the image and dignity of the state on an international level. His remarks reflect nothing but his incompetence.”
The incident has sparked a fierce debate on the handling of crime and women’s safety in the state, with both political leaders and citizens demanding better protection and a more responsible approach from those in power.