‘Happens in big city’: Karnataka Minister amid outrage over sexual assault video

Amid outrage over a video of a man groping a woman on a Bengaluru street, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara’s controversial remark that “such incidents can occur in a big city like Bengaluru” has drawn flak over the government’s response to women’s safety.

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“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,” he said.

Need to improve patrolling

The minister emphasised that he has always advocated the need to improve patrolling. “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.

The incident in question occurred on April 3, 2025, in BTM Layout, and was captured on CCTV. The footage showed a man following a woman, who was accompanied by another woman, grabbing and groping her before fleeing. Terrified by the incident, the women are seen walking away.

Police have registered a case under sections relating to assault, sexual harassment and stalking. However, the woman’s identity is yet to be established because she has not come forward to lodge a complaint.

BJP slams Karnataka govt

Meanwhile, the BJP has lashed out at the Siddaramaiah government over the incident. The Opposition party has said the viral video has exposed the reality of the city’s law and order situation and claimed that Bengaluru is becoming “increasingly unsafe” for women.

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.”

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BJP MLA and former deputy chief minister Ashwath Narayan said the state home minister's remark reflects his helplessness.

“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,” he said.