Bengaluru, Jan 9 (NationPress) B.S. Yediyurappa, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka and a member of the BJP Central Parliamentary Board, expressed severe concerns on Friday regarding the Hubballi incident where a woman was forcibly stripped. He indicated that such occurrences have created a climate of fear for women across the state and urged the government to enact strict measures against the perpetrators.

During a press briefing at the BJP state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru, he described the incident as unacceptable and insisted on a thorough investigation to ensure that those involved face justice.

Basavaraj Bommai, another former Chief Minister and BJP figure, also condemned the Hubballi incident, labeling it as cruel and inhumane.

Bommai accused the Hubballi Police Commissioner of attempting to dismiss the case and criticized the police department for operating without proper oversight. He demanded the immediate reassignment of the Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner.

In his statements to the press, Bommai highlighted the incident as indicative of a broader failure within the State Home Department.

“Those meant to safeguard citizens have turned into offenders. Instead of ensuring a woman's safety, officials allowed her to be stripped and then attempted to cover it up. Following the incident's exposure, the Commissioner sought to close the case. Arrests were made under the influence of the Congress party, circumventing legal processes,” he alleged.

He further noted that complaints should have been promptly filed; however, arrests were made selectively due to political pressure. Bommai criticized the Commissioner’s attempt to close the case, branding it a criminal act, and accused him of overstepping his authority.

Additionally, he pointed out that while an inspector involved was transferred, higher officials remained protected.

He referenced a recent incident in Ballari where the SP was suspended immediately, contrasting it with the lack of action against senior officials in Hubballi.

“Despite daily incidents, the police department operates without accountability. The Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner must be reassigned immediately. This situation showcases corruption within the department, where those who pay bribes are shielded. The government exhibits a double standard, with police actions aligned with the directives of the Congress party,” he asserted.

BJP Legislative Council member Bharati Shetty met with the National Chairperson of the Women’s Commission, Vijaya K. Rahatkar, in Bengaluru concerning the incident, submitting a memorandum urging action against the involved police officials and Congress leaders.