Chaos erupted online, amid the ongoing row and outrage over a viral video showing a man groping a woman on a Bengaluru street. This comes after Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara’s recent comments, which added fuel to the fire.

Recently, while responding to questions about the shocking incident, the minister said such events are to be expected in a big city like Bengaluru. However his controversial statement sparked widespread criticism on social media.

Home Minister’s Response to the Incident

Home Minister G. Parameshwara defended the Bengaluru police’s attempts. He stated that the police are working tirelessly to maintain law and order in the state. The minister further mentioned that he regularly instructs the police commissioner to enhance patrolling across the city.

#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

“I keep telling the police commissioner daily to be careful, to monitor all areas through patrolling. This is something I say almost every day. 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. I have spoken to the commissioner this morning too,” he said.

Parameshwara was allegedly referring to the molestation that took place on April 3 in the Suddaguntepalya area. However, despite his controversial remarks, he assured that legal action would be taken against the perpetrator.

Details of the Disturbing Incident

The alleged incident took place on April 3. A man allegedly molested a woman in a secluded street in the Bharati Layout area of Suddaguntepalya. The disturbing incident was caught on CCTV. The footage shows a man approaching two women walking down a narrow street. He then pushes one woman against a wall and gropes her. The man then fled the scene leaving the women in shock.

Following the incident, the victim, along with her female friend, visibly shocked walks away from the area. Despite the video going viral all over the internet, the victim has not yet filed any formal complaint. However, the police have registered a suo motu case under Section 354B of the Indian Penal Code. The section is related to molestation and assault with intent to disrobe.

BJP Criticizes Minister’s Remarks

Meanwhile, the Opposition BJP has slammed the state government. They accuse them of neglecting women’s safety in the state. The BJP hit out at the Siddaramaiah government over the incident.

BJP spokesperson Prashanth G said, “This is such an insensitive remark. Is he normalising sexual assault and crimes against women? He is shying away from responsibility and doesn’t want to be accountable.”

BJP MLA and former deputy chief minister Ashwath Narayan said, “The groping incident is condemnable. The Home Minister’s response is disgusting and demotivating. People are losing confidence because of these incidents and statements. His statement shows how helpless he is as a home minister. He should make a responsible statement,”.

Rising Concerns Over Women’s Safety

The recent incident is not an isolated one. According to government data from last year there is a significant rise in crimes against women in Bengaluru. Around 3,260 cases were reported, including over 1,100 incidents of molestation alone. The concerns over women’s safety have intensified following the video’s circulation and the Home Minister’s controversial remarks.