Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently expressed strong criticism towards the Congress-ruled government in Karnataka, blaming them for allowing atrocities against marginalized communities, specifically Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Her disapproval was prompted by a distressing incident in Belagavi, where a 42-year-old woman became a victim of assault and public humiliation.
In a detailed statement shared on social media, Sitharaman emphasized that the incident in Belagavi is reminiscent of similar atrocities against Dalits witnessed in Congress-ruled Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. She lamented that the Congress party seems to view the downtrodden merely as a vote bank rather than addressing their genuine concerns.
Concerns Mount Over Karnataka’s Law and Order under Congress-ruled Government Following Shocking Belagavi Assault
The incident in Belagavi occurred on the night of December 10th and 11th, 2023, when a 42-year-old woman faced a horrifying ordeal. Stripped naked, she was paraded and assaulted after being tied to an electric pole. The cause of this brutality was reported to be her son’s elopement with a girl. This shocking incident has raised significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of law enforcement and the overall state of law and order in Karnataka.
Sitharaman’s social media post condemned the incident and included a detailed note providing information on the shocking incident and the observations of the Karnataka High Court. The Finance Minister highlighted the urgent need for attention to the state of law and order in Karnataka, pointing out the serious implications of such incidents on the safety and well-being of citizens.
In response to the incident, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) national president, JP Nadda, condemned the act and took swift action by forming a five-member fact-finding committee. The Karnataka Home Minister, G Parameshwara, has also assured that strict action will be taken against the culprits responsible for this heinous crime.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing violence against marginalized communities and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. The Finance Minister’s condemnation reflects a broader concern about the responsibility of governments to protect vulnerable sections of society and maintain law and order effectively. The focus now shifts to the actions taken by the authorities to ensure justice for the victim and prevent the recurrence of such disturbing incidents in the future.