Tue Apr 08 09:13:51 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Home Minister Walks Back Controversial Remarks on Bengaluru Molestation
**Bengaluru, April 8, 2025** – Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara issued a clarification today following a backlash over his comments on a recent molestation incident in Bengaluru. His initial statement, made Monday, suggested that such incidents were inevitable in a large city like Bengaluru and downplayed the seriousness of the crime. This sparked outrage from the opposition BJP and the National Commission for Women (NCW), which demanded a public apology.
The NCW, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), strongly condemned Mr. Parameshwara’s remarks as insensitive and trivializing crimes against women. They formally requested a public apology from the Home Minister and urged the Karnataka government to take immediate steps to improve law and order.
In his clarification today, Mr. Parameshwara stated that his previous comments were misunderstood and distorted. He insisted that he remains committed to women’s safety and has implemented various programs, including the Nirbhaya scheme, to enhance their protection. He expressed regret if his words caused any pain, particularly to women, but maintained that his commitment to their safety remains unwavering.
The Home Minister further defended his record, emphasizing his continuous monitoring of crime statistics and his instructions to police to take strict action against perpetrators of crimes against women. He challenged claims of increased atrocities against women in the state in recent years, suggesting a comparison with statistics from the BJP’s tenure in power.
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