'My remarks taken out of context': K'taka HM on B'luru mass molestation

Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara Rao on Thursday claimed that his comments on the Bengaluru mass molestation incident on New Year’s Eve had been taken out of context.

"Bengaluru has always been peaceful for women. My quote about the New Year's eve molestation incident has been interpreted out of context. I haven't said Bengaluru incident is as expected. My reference was that these kinds of New Year celebrations go on," he said.

Parameshwara said incidents like the one that took place on New Year must not bring bad name to Bengaluru.

He added that the state administration had taken all precautions to ensure that no untoward incident takes place on the day.

"Security was clear. Around 70 cameras were allotted there. Woman staff and senior officers were also at the spot. The DCP, Additional Commissioner, all were there," he added.

Responding to the NCW's notice against him over his objectionable remark, Parameshwara said that he would reply to them and also put forth his views before the Governor, who has asked for a report.

“We will increase CCTV installation in the city. 5000 CCTVs will be installed. We will also increase number of Dial 100 24/7 helplines from 15 to 100,” he added.

On Monday, Parameshwara said, "Unfortunately, what is happening is that on days like New Year's, Brigade Road, Commercial Street, or MG road, a large number of youngsters gather. And youngsters were almost like westerners. They tried to copy the westerners, not only in their mindset but even in their dressing. So some disturbance, some girls are harassed, these kind of things do happen."

NCW demanded that the Minister apologise to the women of the country for making such remarks.

"Such remarks from the Home Minister are unacceptable and regrettable. I want to ask this Minister 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?,” she asked.

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