The outrage has intensified after a video of a horrific incident of a man groping a woman on a Bengaluru street and getting away with it went viral. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara’s response to the incident is also likely to generate more outrage. When asked about the shocking video, the minister responsible for law and order suggested that it was to be expected in a large city like Bengaluru.
Parameshwara pointed out his regular follow-up with the city police on patrolling operations. “I am always telling the police commissioner to tighten surveillance in all areas. It is an everyday reminder. Even as some incidents come to the notice of the people, it must be realized that police are working day and night. Such incidents do occur in a city of this magnitude,” he stated. He assured that appropriate legal action would be taken, as he had already spoken with the commissioner that morning.
The viral CCTV footage shows a man stalking two women in a lane in BTM Layout area. In a split second, he molests one of the women while the other attempts to intervene. The man then runs away, leaving the women shocked.
A case has been filed by the police under relevant sections of assault, sexual harassment, and stalking. The identity of the victim, however, remains unknown as yet, as she is yet to come forward to file a complaint.
The incident has been bitterly criticized by the BJP, which has targeted the Siddaramaiah government for its handling of law and order in the city. The opposition party claimed that the viral video is indicative of the decreasing safety of Bengaluru for women.
BJP spokesperson Prashanth G condemned the Home Minister’s comments as insensitive. “Is he normalizing sexual assault? This is a lack of accountability,” he said.
BJP MLA and former Deputy Chief Minister Ashwath Narayan was on the same lines, describing the minister’s response as a reflection of helplessness. “The groping incident is condemnable. The Home Minister’s response is disappointing and shatters public confidence. His statement reflects an inability to respond to the situation responsibly,” he said.
