A recent molestation incident in Bengaluru has ignited a firestorm of public outrage and political criticism, especially after a controversial remark made by Karnataka Home Minister G Parameswara. The incident, which occurred on April 3 in the Bharati Layout area of Suddaguntepalya, was caught on CCTV footage and showed a man groping a woman on a seemingly deserted street before fleeing the scene.

Incident Details: Caught on Camera

The footage, which has gone viral on social media platforms, shows a man stalking two women on a quiet street before suddenly approaching and molesting one of them. The victim did not report the incident to police, and as of now, her identity remains unknown. However, the police have registered an FIR based on the CCTV evidence under sections 74, 75, and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to DCP South East Bengaluru, Sarah Fathima, a probe is underway and investigations are ongoing to identify and nab the culprit. The Bengaluru Police Commissioner has also been alerted, and patrolling has reportedly increased in the area.

G Parameswara’s Controversial Statement

What truly fanned the flames of public anger was the Home Minister's response to the incident. In a media interaction, Parameswara said, "In such a big city, such incidents will happen. We will take necessary action according to the law." This statement, perceived as insensitive and dismissive, sparked major backlash, especially from women’s rights groups and the opposition.

He further added that he had spoken to the police commissioner and frequently reminds him about increasing patrols and monitoring vulnerable areas, but claimed that “some incidents happen here and there.”

Many interpreted the remark as normalising sexual assault and shifting responsibility away from the administration.

BJP Slams Congress Over Law and Order

The BJP wasted no time in launching a scathing attack on the Congress-led government in Karnataka, using the incident as an example of what it termed as deteriorating law and order in Bengaluru.

BJP Spokesperson Prashanth G criticized the minister, saying, "This is such an insensitive remark. Is he normalising sexual assault and crimes against women?" He accused Parameswara of shirking responsibility and displaying a lack of accountability.

Former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA Ashwath Narayan called the incident “condemnable” and described the minister’s comments as “disgusting and demotivating”. Narayan said that people are losing confidence in the government's ability to ensure safety, especially for women, and added that such comments only reflect the Home Minister’s helplessness.

Ongoing Investigation: Police Still Searching for Victim and Suspect

The Bengaluru police have stepped up their investigation and are currently trying to locate both the victim and the accused. As no official complaint has been filed yet, police are relying solely on CCTV evidence to build a case and proceed with legal action. Officials have urged the woman seen in the footage to come forward so that formal legal proceedings can begin.

Public Reaction and Social Media Uproar

The video has triggered widespread outrage online, with citizens demanding swift action, better surveillance, and strict enforcement of laws to protect women. Many users expressed shock not only at the incident itself but also at the casual attitude displayed by the Home Minister.

Women’s rights groups have called for greater accountability, urging the state government to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment or sexual violence.

Safety in Bengaluru: Growing Concerns

This incident has rekindled debates about women’s safety in Bengaluru, a city that has long held a reputation as one of India’s more progressive urban centres. With recurring reports of harassment and the growing sense of fear among women, citizens are demanding urgent reforms.

From installing more CCTV cameras in poorly lit areas to increasing women-only patrol units, suggestions for reform are plenty. But critics argue that what’s missing is the political will and empathy from those in power.

Conclusion: A Test for the State Government

The Bengaluru molestation incident and the resulting political storm have once again put a spotlight on the issue of women’s safety in urban India. While the investigation is ongoing, it is evident that the public trust in the administration is waning — particularly when insensitive remarks downplay the seriousness of such acts.

As pressure mounts on the Congress government, especially the Home Ministry, the onus is now on them to not just catch the perpetrator but also rebuild public confidence by taking meaningful steps to prevent future incidents.

Bold decisions, visible policing, stronger laws, and sensitive leadership are the need of the hour.

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