Bengaluru Groping Incident Sparks Outrage; Home Minister Criticized for Insensitive Remark

Bengaluru | A disturbing case of sexual harassment has sparked widespread public anger after CCTV footage captured a groping incident in Bengaluru’s BTM Layout during the early hours of April 3. The video, which has gone viral across social media, clearly shows an unidentified man groping a woman while she and her friend walked through a narrow alley around 1:52 am.
The Bengaluru groping CCTV incident has renewed concerns about women’s safety in public spaces, especially during late-night hours. In the video, the assailant is seen swiftly approaching the two women, grabbing one of them inappropriately, and fleeing before they could react. The victims appeared visibly shocked and shaken after the attack.
Following the circulation of the footage, the Suddaguntepalya police registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 74, 75, and 78, covering assault on a woman with intent to outrage modesty, sexual harassment, and stalking. A manhunt is currently underway, and police have urged the public to come forward with any leads on the suspect’s identity.
However, what has further fueled public outrage is the reaction of Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, who commented, “Incidents like these tend to happen here and there in a big city like this.” His statement has been met with severe backlash from women’s rights activists and citizens, who criticized it as dismissive, tone-deaf, and lacking empathy.
“Instead of acknowledging the systemic issue and proposing concrete measures, the minister’s remarks seem to normalize such crimes. That’s unacceptable,” said one social activist in Bengaluru.
As of now, the police are analyzing more CCTV footage from surrounding areas and enhancing night patrolling efforts. This Bengaluru groping CCTV incident has once again brought into focus the need for stronger urban safety policies, rapid legal action, and greater accountability from public officials.
Activists and residents are demanding not just the swift arrest of the perpetrator, but also an apology and a firm action plan from the Home Ministry to prevent such incidents in the future.