Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has said sorry after his earlier remark on a sexual assault case in Bengaluru upset many people. A video went viral showing a man groping a woman on a street in BTM Layout. The man ran away when the second woman tried to stop him. The video caused a lot of public anger and criticism, especially from the opposition BJP.
The police have filed a case of assault and sexual harassment, even though the woman in the video has not filed a complaint herself.
Mr Parameshwara, who is responsible for law and order in the state, had said, “When some incidents happen here and there, of course, people’s attention will be drawn towards them. The cops are working 24X7. Some incidents happen here and there. In such a big city, such incidents will happen. We will take necessary action according to the law.”
His statement was seen as careless and hurtful by many, who felt he was not taking the crime seriously.
Apologises and says safety of women is a priority
After facing backlash, Mr Parameshwara clarified that his words were misunderstood. He said, “I want to clarify that the statement I made yesterday wasn’t understood properly. I am someone who has always had a lot of concern for the safety of women. I have ensured that Nirbhaya funds are utilised well for the safety of women. I don’t want my statement to be twisted. If any woman has been hurt, I express my regret and apologise.”
The BJP criticised him strongly. A party spokesperson asked if he was trying to “normalise” such crimes. Former deputy chief minister Ashwath Narayan said, “People are losing confidence because of these statements. His statement shows how helpless he is as a home minister. He should make a responsible statement.”
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