BENGALURU, 8 APRIL

A day after he found himself in a controversy for his remarks over the recent molestation incident here, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said, his statement was not understood properly and it was distorted. He also said that he would express regret if it has caused pain to anyone, especially the women.

Responding to an incident where a woman was molested while walking in Suddaguntepalya on 3 April, Parameshwara on Monday said, "Police are working continuously round-the-clock braving rain and cold. That is why there is peace in Bengaluru. In a big city like Bengaluru, incidents like this do take place here and there."

This statement sparked a controversy, eliciting a strong criticism from opposition BJP and the National Commission for Women (NCW).

The NCW posted on X "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 order."

Parameshwara said on Tuesday, "Yesterday my statement has not been properly understood by you (media), and other platforms too have understood it differently. I'm always for women's protection. As a Home Minister I have implemented various programmes like the Nirbhaya scheme.”

"Distorting some statement and speaking about me is not right… I'm not saying this for those from the BJP, who are doing politics. If my statement has caused pain to anyone – our sisters, mothers – I express regret," he added.