Members cutting across party lines on Wednesday sought stringent action against those involved in the abduction and sexual assault of a 22-year-old woman in Fraser Town, Bangalore, on Friday night.
The former Home Minister R Ashok (Bharatiya Janata Party) raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly, saying: “We have to hang our heads in shame before the people” for the government’s failure to ensure safety of women residing in Bangalore.
K.G. Bopaiah said police inspector Mohammad Rafiq of Pulakeshinagar Police Station should be remanded in judicial custody for the alleged delay in filing an FIR.
The inspector has been suspended. Cases of sexual harassment were being reported from different parts of the State, he said. But, the government has treated the issue “very lightly”. BJP members demanded proactive steps from the government to ensure women’s safety.
Even as several members stood up to raise the issue, Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa suggested that the government shunt out ineffective top police brass who had failed to arrest the culprits behind attacks on women.
Mr. Ravi said: “No.1 accused is the son of a prominent politician.”
Announcement today
Mr. George is to announce the government’s stand on the demand for filing an FIR as well as arrest of the police inspector Rafiq for “lapses”, on Thursday.
When the Opposition members expressed concern over some groups holding protests in support of the suspended police inspector, the Chief Minister said they would be sternly dealt with.
Seeking to allay fears of women, he said the Police Department had taken measures to strengthen the security of women, especially Bangalore, by increasing patrolling vehicles. Steps were also being taken to recruit more women police staff.
‘George must go’
The BJP has demanded that Home Minister K.J. George should be replaced immediately for his “failure to control law and order in the State”.
Holding the Minister responsible for the increasing crime rate, State BJP president Pralhad Joshi alleged that George was “most inefficient and unfit to hold the Home portfolio”.
(The Hindu)
