Molestation no longer a crime in Karnataka?

 

The IT capital of India, the Silicon Valley of the nation is again in the news and for all the wrong reasons. It all began with the New Year's Eve incidents at the Central Business District of the city that became the symbol of shame for the city followed by the inaction of the city police on the ground that no one has filed any complained and finally, the statement of State Home Minister G. Parameshwar who blamed the 'western culture' for such an unfortunate incident. 

 

The State Home Minister's statement again missed the most fundamental aspect of any crime irrespective of whether the victim is a female or not, which is the criminal mentality. 

 

Molestation, harassment, assault are crimes recognised by the law of the land and that means anyone who commits it has a criminal tendencies, period. This criminality is a threat to the nation that needs to be strictly dealt with rather than justified. 

 

Every political leader with their statements regarding women safety is trying to justify the heinous crimes and distracting everyone from addressing the real issue of criminal mentality against women. 

 

However, it seems such distraction can not be caused any longer as the recent comment by Home Minister G. Parameshwar has invited sharp criticism from across the nation and many including Lalitha Kumaramangalam, head of National Commission for Women, has demanded his resignation. 

 

The minister not only blames western culture for hooliganism in the city which has become a regular phenomenon every new year but also stated that 'these things happen'. 

 

Read MORE: New Year's Eve proves fright night for Bengaluru women

 

Reacting to this, Lalitha Kumaramangalam, said, "Such remarks from the Home Minister are unacceptable and regrettable. I want to ask this Minister that are Indian men so pathetic and weak that when they see a woman in western clothes on a day of revelry, they get out of control?"

 

"When will Indian men learn to respect women? The Minister should apologise to the women of the country and resign," further she added. 

 

Nagalakshmi Bai, Chairperson of State Women's  Commission, has sent an official notice to the newly appointed Police Commissioner of the city, Parveen Sood, seeking an official report on the basis of which the Commission will demand action against the people involved in this case. 

 

Various reports are pouring in regarding this incident and police commissioner confirmed that the CCTV footage of the night are being scanned to nab the culprits. But, the problem that remains is why a victim needs to come forward and give a statement in a mass incident like this that has eye witnesses including police officers, CCTV footages and photographs corroborating the incidence. 

 

Also, why authorities and law enforcement agencies refuse to acknowledge these incidences and take appropriate actions unless uproar in the media or social media caused? 

 

And, lastly, the question remains will women safety ever be a priority for any state government or central government in this country?