The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Wednesday filed a police complaint against Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Maharashtra MLA Abu Azmi for their “misogynistic” statements on Bengaluru mass molestation incident.
The commission has demanded that the complaint be turned into an FIR.
“Their statements are extremely misogynistic and an attack on the modesty of women. Through their statements, these politicians have encouraged the act of molestation and sexual violence for they have put the direct onus of these criminal acts on women and girls,” DCW chief Swati Maliwal said in a letter to Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Verma.
The DCW has sought action by the Delhi police on the issue.
“Through their statements, they have emboldened rapists and molesters across the country. Their statements do not only constitute a congnizable offence but also have a direct and adverse impact on the women,” Ms. Maliwal said.
Mr. Parameshwara had kicked up a storm on Monday after he blamed the “western ways” of the youngsters for a spate of molestation incidents on New Year’s eve in Bengaluru.
Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra unit chief Abu Azmi had said “ants will swarm the place where sugar is”, drawing condemnation from women activists for his “misogynistic” comments and calls for his arrest.
Action by NCW
The National Commission for Women has already issued summons to Mr. Parameshwara and Mr. Azmi over their remarks.
