Bengaluru molestation: G Parameshwar blames 'Western ways' of youngsters

Bengaluru: Kicking up a storm over New Year's Eve revelry that turned into a nightmare for several women who were allegedly molested despite a big police presence in the Central Business District, Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwar on Monday blamed the "Western ways" of the youngsters for to such incidents.

Speaking to a news channel, Dr Parameshwar, who himself has studied abroad, said, "On days like New Year's Eve, a large number of youngsters gather on Brigade Road, Commercial Street and M.G. Road. These youngsters, who are almost like Westerners, try to copy the westerners not only in the mindset, but even the dressing."

But later in the day speaking to reporters separately, he tried to undo the damage, saying, "It is definitely an unfortunate incident that took place on New Year's Eve. Definitely, we will look into it and see that it is not repeated. I have also directed the newly appointed Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Praveen Sood to take suo motu case against culprits based CCTV footage."

Responding to a question, he asserted that there was a need to look into how such events can be organised and regulated. "We cannot have 10,000 policemen. We had deployed 1,500 police personnel. The police had issued a strict warning to mischief-mongers, besides asserting that adequate security arrangements had been made ahead of the New Year's Eve. But none of us had anticipated that such events would unfold. This is a lesson, we will surely come up with newer measures to curb such incidents in the days to come," he said.

Home minister must resign, says NCW chief
A spate of explanations have been provided for the mass molestation that took place on Brigade Road during New Year's Eve, as revellers spilled out onto the streets in one of the biggest public celebrations this city has seen in several years. The appalling lack of security for women has tarnished Bengaluru's reputation as a progressive, safe city, made worse by State Home Minister G. Parameshwar who dismissed the incident with the words: “These things happen. Western culture is responsible.”

One question begs asking: what culture is he attempting to protect? One that allows for women to be molested publicly because they're out on the streets after a particular time, or dressed a certain way, or inebriated? Are these the Indian traditions we want to preserve?

Lalitha Kumaramangalam, head of National Commission for Women, echoed the nation's wrath as she demanded the Home Minister's resignation on Monday.  "Are Indian men so pathetic and weak that they lose control if they see a woman in Western clothes on a day of revelry? Mr Parameshwar shoud apologise to the women of the country and resign," she said angrily.

On Monday morning, State Women's Commission Chairperson Nagalakshmi Bai sent an official notice to Praveen Sood, who assumed charge as Police Commissioner on Jan 1. "We have asked for the official police report, based on which we will demand strict action against the troublemakers," she said.