Mobs attack women during New Year celebrations in Bengaluru

Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Monday blamed a series of alleged attacks on women by unruly mobs during New Year celebrations on M.G. Road and Brigade Road on “the Western wear of youth”.

This drew angry reactions from women who termed the statement “insensitive”.

‘Some disturbance’

In an interview to a private news channel, Dr. Parameshwara said, “Youngsters are almost like Westerners. They try to copy not only the Western mindset, but also the dressing. So there was some disturbance, some girls were harassed. You know these kinds of things do happen.”

During the celebrations over the weekend, women were allegedly molested, pawed at and verbally abused despite heavy police presence.

Ruchita (name changed), a 23-year-old, said that the experience was horrifying.

“I went to M.G. Road around 1 a.m after a party with five friends. We were trying to book a cab to get back home. Drunk men tried to fall on us, some passed lewd remarks and a few tried to get physical with my friends,” she alleged.

The Karnataka State Commission for Women has sought a report on the action taken by the police.

No complaint has been filed so far.

“If we get a complaint, we will take immediate action. We are checking footage from over 15 closed-circuit television cameras on the two roads,” said Praveen Sood, City Police Commissioner.

Later in the day, the Home Minister clarified that the police would take up suo motu action and investigate the allegations. “When there is such a big crowd, it is not possible for the police to keep vigil.”

They try to copy not only the Western mindset, but also the dressing... some girls were harassed, you know these kinds of things do happen

G. Parameshwara,Home Minister