My words about the harassment incident in Bangalore are twisted and regret any pain for women: Karnataka Minister

Karnataka Home Secretary G. Parameshwara. |Picture source: K. Murali Kumar

The day after he found himself controversial in amid his recent harassment incident in Bangalore, Karnataka Home Secretary G. Parameshwara said on Tuesday (8 April 2025) that his statement was not correct and therefore was distorted.

He also said that he would regret it if it caused pain to anyone, especially women.

Mr Parameswara repeatedly asserted that he was a believer in the importance of providing safety and protection for women and that as Minister of the Interior he was committed to ensuring their safety and took several measures in this regard.

Parameshwara responded to the incident and was harassed while walking in Suddaguntepalya on April 3, Mr Parameshwara said on Monday: “The police are working continuously, waving the rain and the cold 24/7. That’s why in Bengaluru and peace.

This claim has caused controversy, sparked strong criticism from opposition figures and the National Commission for Women (NCW), and sought a public apology.

“On the directions of NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, the Commission has strongly objected to the insensitive remarks made by Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on the recent Bengaluru molestation case. Such statements trivialise crimes against women. NCW has written to the Hon’ble Governor & Hon’ble CM of Karnataka demanding a public apology from the Home Minister and urgent action to strengthen law and command,” NCW said in ‘x’ post.

Clarifying his statement said on Tuesday: “Yesterday, you (the media) have not understood my statement and other platforms have differently. I always aim to protect women’s protection. As the Minister of the Interior I have implemented various programs such as the Nirbhaya program. Compared with other states, I will share with certain women, and I will share with certain women.

He said: “Talking to a reporter in Bangalore: “It’s wrong to twist some statements and talk about me.” I believe and take several measures to protect women – our sisters and mothers. If there is any problem (about women’s safety), I’m already in the department’s officer. Therefore, I should not predict my statement by twisting it. ”

He added: “I’m not for the BJP who are doing politics.

The Interior Minister noted that he has been focusing on cases regarding women’s safety in daily briefings by the Police Commissioner or in briefings across the state, and the Interior Minister said: “During the review, I often direct the police to take strict action, whether it is harassment, POCSO cases, whether it is POCSO cases.

“I will take all the strict measures in favor of women. It’s not just for the purpose of making a statement,” he said.

Mr. Paramashwara asked: Regarding the increase in allegations of atrocities against women in the state over the past few years, Mr. Paramashwara asked: “When the BJP is in power, should I give the number of cases?”

“I’ve given the statistics. If they claim nothing happened in their time, people would laugh at it.”