Bengaluru 11 April

Strongly reacting to the recent assault of a young couple in the city, Karnataka Minister Priyank M Kharge on Friday said the state government would not tolerate any form of moral policing.

He termed Karnataka a "progressive state" that should not be compared with Bihar, Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh.

"This is not Bihar or Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh. Karnataka is a progressive state," Kharge said, underlining the Congress government's position against vigilante-style intrusion in personal affairs.

His comments followed a disturbing incident in the city’s Chandra Layout area, where a couple was allegedly harassed by five youths outside a public park.

The police have arrested the youths, including a juvenile, in connection with the case.

Kharge’s remarks were aimed at drawing a political contrast with BJP-ruled states that have faced criticism for increasing vigilante actions and mob violence. Salar News