Updated
New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI): The National Commission for Women (NCW) today issued summonses to Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara and SP leader Abu Azmi over their objectionable remarks on the alleged incident of mass molestation of women in Bengaluru on New Year Eve.
"We have sent summonses to both of them (Parameshwara and Azmi) for their statements," NCW chairperson Lalitha Kumaramangalam said.
"It does not matter whether Abu Azmi belongs to one particular party or another. To be brutally frank, there are men across parties who make these disgusting statements. If men at this level say such things, where is the nation heading?" she said.
"I don't say all men are like that in the country, but a good 25 per cent of this country seems to be full of patriarchal men who have no respect for women," she added.
Taking strong exception to Parameshwara's remarks that youngsters' "western ways" were reason behind the incident of mass molestation in Bengaluru, Kumaramangalam had yesterday demanded that he apologise and resign from his post.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident, Kumaramangalam had written to the DGP, city police commissioner and Home Minister seeking a reply on what action has been taken immediately against those involved in the molestation incidents.
Reacting to the incident, Samajwadi Party's Maharashtra unit chief Abu Azmi today said though it was the duty of police to ensure safety of women on the New Year eve, women should not forget that "security starts at home".
"Partying late night in half attire, blindly following western culture, has never been our culture.
"When few women in half dress come out on streets at late night with their friends, such incidents do occur," said Azmi, an MLA from Shivaji Nagar in suburban Mumbai.
The alleged incidents of molestation occurred on Saturday night in and around the junction of Brigade Road and M G Road, where thousands had gathered to herald the New Year.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that women were molested and groped and lewd remarks were also passed by miscreants late night on December 31 in the posh area even as it was claimed that 1,500 police personnel had been deployed to control the crowds.
My statement on 'molestation' twisted: Parameshwara
Bengaluru, Jan 3 (IANS): Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Tuesday said his statement on the alleged molestation incident on New Year Day was interpreted out of context.
"I am extremely pained by the fact that my statement with respect to the alleged molestation incident has been interpreted out of context and not taken in its entirety," he said in a statement.
Admitting that the choice of every citizen should be respected, the senior minister said women had equal rights, respect and protection under the Constitution.
"From the day I took over as Home Minister (October 30, 2015), I have stressed on the protection of women and children and will continue to do so," he said.
Noting that the Bengaluru Police were going through the footage of all CCTV cameras and following up all the leads available, the minister said the police would take necessary action suo moto.
"We also request anybody who has information (on the incident) to come forth and report to the police," he added.
Meanwhile, police remained clueless about the culprits who allegedly molested and groped some women on Saturday night during the New Year eve revelry in the city centre.
"As none has yet filed a complaint on the alleged incident, we have not registered a case. We also did not get information or material evidence on the incident from any victim or witness," a police station official told IANS.
Conflicting claims have been made over the incident in which some drunken men allegedly molested women and heckled revellers.
As part of enhanced security and heightened vigil, about 1,500 police personnel were deployed on Saturday evening in and around the city's central business district.
Brigade Road Traders' Association President Suhail Yusuff denied reports of alleged molestation or groping during the revelry in and around the upscale shopping area on Saturday midnight or early Sunday.
Asked about some footage showing some unidentified youth accosting a couple of women and another woman taking help of a policewomen, Yusuff said the police had resorted to caning the revellers as there was a lot of pushing, jostling and crowding causing commotion.
"As it was New Year celebrations, hundreds of people were greeting, wishing or hugging near and dear ones, friends or even others. How can such acts be termed molestation or groping?" Yusuff countered.