Bengaluru Groping Caught on CCTV Triggers Anger as Minister Calls It a 'City Issue'

A Bengaluru woman was groped in public, with the act captured on CCTV. Public outrage followed, especially after Karnataka’s Home Minister called such incidents typical in big cities. Meanwhile, a badminton coach was arrested for raping a minor. Both incidents spotlight growing concerns over women’s safety and official response in Bengaluru.

A shocking incident of sexual harassment in Bengaluru’s BTM Layout has stirred public anger after a CCTV video of the assault went viral. The footage, dated April 3 around 1:52 am, shows two women walking through a narrow street when an unidentified man suddenly approaches and gropes one of them before fleeing. The women are visibly startled and continue walking, clearly shaken.

The incident has prompted widespread condemnation on social media and demands for immediate justice. However, comments made by Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara have added fuel to the fire. Reacting to the incident, the minister remarked that “such incidents happen in big cities,” assuring that legal action would follow and police patrolling would be increased. His casual tone has drawn criticism for trivializing the seriousness of sexual violence in urban areas.

The Suddaguntepalya police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including assault with intent to outrage modesty, sexual harassment, and stalking. As of now, neither the victims nor the suspect has been identified.

In a separate case, a 30-year-old badminton coach in Bengaluru has been arrested for allegedly raping a 16-year-old student. The crime was uncovered after the girl’s grandmother found an explicit image on her phone, prompting a police investigation. The coach had allegedly lured the teen under the pretext of offering extra coaching.

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These back-to-back incidents have intensified public calls for greater safety measures, stricter enforcement of laws, and more responsible responses from public officials. Many citizens have voiced frustration at what they perceive as institutional apathy toward crimes against women in the city.