A shocking case of sexual harassment in Bengaluru has sparked massive public outrage — not just due to the disturbing nature of the incident but also because of Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara's controversial response. His remark that “such incidents tend to happen in big cities” has reignited a fierce debate about the state of women's safety and political accountability in urban India.
Shocking Molestation Caught on CCTV in Bengaluru’s BTM Layout
In the early hours of April 3, a CCTV camera captured a harrowing scene in Bengaluru’s BTM Layout. Around 1:52 AM, two women were walking down a dimly lit, narrow alley when a man who had been following them suddenly accosted one of them.
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He pushed her against a wall
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Groped her forcefully
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Fled the scene before anyone could intervene
The second woman attempted to intervene, but the assailant escaped quickly. The two women, clearly shaken, walked away from the scene. The footage went viral on social media, drawing attention to the deteriorating safety conditions for women in India’s tech hub.
Man molests woman on isolated #Bengaluru street, flees
Details here 🔗https://t.co/JXuOspsASZ pic.twitter.com/k6O2u1yOms— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) April 7, 2025
Police Launch Suo Motu Case, Survivor Yet to Come Forward
Although the survivor has not filed a complaint, Bengaluru police registered a suo motu case against the accused. They have filed charges under:
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Section 354B (Assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe a woman)
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Sections relating to stalking and sexual harassment
Law enforcement officials have confirmed they are attempting to trace the woman to facilitate further legal proceedings. The incident bears disturbing resemblance to a previous case in January, when a 24-year-old woman was allegedly attacked by two men who forcibly entered her cab around 2:00 AM and tried to rip her clothes before fleeing.
Home Minister G Parameshwara's Remarks Spark Backlash
Instead of offering a strong condemnation, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara downplayed the incident. When asked by reporters, he said:
“Incidents like these tend to happen here and there in a big city like this... Whatever legal action needs to be taken will be done in accordance with the law. I have also instructed our commissioner to increase beat patrolling.”
This wasn't a one-off statement. Speaking again to the media, he reiterated:
“In such a big city, such incidents will happen... The cops are working 24x7. I have spoken to the commissioner this morning too.”
These comments triggered widespread criticism across political and public domains.
#WATCH | Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeswara says, "Incidents like these tend to happen here and there in a big city like this. Whatever legal action needs to be taken will be done in accordance with the law. I have also instructed our commissioner to increase beat… https://t.co/28wRCjTGB3 pic.twitter.com/ylkawbEzzD— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2025
Pattern of Insensitive Comments
This is not the first time G Parameshwara has been at the center of controversy for insensitive remarks related to crimes against women:
In 2017, after mass molestation allegations on MG Road during New Year's Eve, he blamed “Westernised youngsters” and their “mindset and clothing,” drawing widespread condemnation for victim-blaming.
His latest remarks have amplified perceptions that political leaders often fail to take gender-based crimes seriously, offering routine assurances without addressing systemic issues.
Public and Political Reactions: From Anger to Disillusionment
Opposition parties, especially the BJP, have come down heavily on the Home Minister and the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, accusing them of downplaying the severity of sexual violence in Bengaluru.
BJP’s Reaction:
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Prashanth G (BJP spokesperson):
“This is such an insensitive remark. Is he normalising sexual assault and crimes against women? He is shying away from responsibility.”
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Ashwath Narayan (Former Deputy CM):
“The Home Minister’s response is disgusting and demotivating. People are losing confidence because of these incidents and statements.”
The backlash reflects a growing concern that Bengaluru — once considered one of India’s most progressive cities — is becoming increasingly unsafe for women, especially at night.
The Larger Debate: Normalizing vs. Preventing Crime
The incident and the minister’s response have reignited a broader societal debate:
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Why are such statements still tolerated in politics?
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What systemic changes are needed to ensure women’s safety, especially in urban areas?
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Why is there a lack of accountability for recurring gender-based crimes?
Though the minister claimed patrolling would be stepped up, critics argue that routine administrative promises have failed to deliver real change. Until political leaders begin treating sexual violence with the urgency and empathy it demands, public confidence in the system is likely to erode further.
More Than a One-Off Incident
The Bengaluru molestation case is not an isolated event — it's part of a disturbing pattern of recurring crimes against women in India’s cities, compounded by tone-deaf political responses. As social media outrage builds and political pressure mounts, the focus must shift from reactive measures to proactive, systemic reform.
India needs more than just viral videos and temporary outcry. It needs political leadership that upholds women’s safety not as an afterthought, but as a fundamental right — and treats every such incident not as something that “happens in big cities,” but as something that must not happen anywhere.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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