Bengaluru mass molestation: Notice issued to minister amid global outrage
- The NCW has issued summons to the State Home Minister and SP leader Abu Azmi.
- The two politicians had blamed women for molestation incidents in Bengaluru on New Year’s Eve.
- Foreign media organisations have also reported the politicians’ comments.
FollowKarnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has been criticised in all quarters for his misogynistic reaction to incidents of mass molestation in Bengaluru on New Year’s Eve. On January 4, the minister’s troubles appeared to multiply as the National Commission for Women (NCW) said it had issued summons to him and SP leader Abu Azmi for provocative statements on the incidents.
Reacting to the incidents of molestation of some girls in M.G. Road and Brigade Road on New Year’s Eve, the Home Minister had said these incidents were quite common and expected since a huge number of youth who follow western culture and dress code had gathered in one place.
“We have sent summons to both of them (Parameshwara and Azmi) for their statements and asked for explanations,” NCW chairperson Lalitha Kumaramangalam said. “It doesn’t matter to which party they belong to. Irrespective of the parties that they belong to, these men are giving disgusting statements. Where are we heading if men of responsibility and power in society start giving these kinds of statements,” she declared.
Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju also criticized Parameshwara’s comments in a tweet, calling them “irresponsible” and demanding arrest and punishment of all the identified culprits. He tweeted, “I condemn the irresponsible comment made by Karnataka Home Minister. City Police should catch all the identified culprits & put behind the bars.”
The international media have also latched onto Parameshwara’s comments. Building on the minister’s comments, Al Jazeera highlighted incidents of rape in India. The New York Times also gave prominence to Parameshwara’s comments.
