I'm always for protection of women: Minister amid row

IN THE EARLY HOURS OF APRIL 3, AN UNIDENTIFIED MAN GROPED ONE OF THE TWO WOMEN WHO WERE WALKING IN AN ALLEY

- Arun Dev

BENGALURU: Karnataka's home minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said his comments on the recent molestation incident in Bengaluru's BTM Layout were misinterpreted by the media, and expressed regret after public backlash over his remarks. He also stressed his commitment to ensuring the safety of women in the state, in a statement.

Parameshwara told reporters on Tuesday, "Yesterday (Monday) 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," Parameshwara told reporters on Tuesday. He added, "If my statement has caused pain to anyone — our sisters, mothers, I express regret."

Reiterating his stance on women's safety, the minister said, "I believe and have taken several measures for the protection of women — our sisters and mothers. If there are any issues (concerning women's safety), I have made officials in the department responsible. So my statement should not be projected by distorting it."