Karnataka Home Minister KJ George on Thursday clarified his earlier remarks on rape, stating that he was merely requesting the media to not sensationalise cases which are under investigation.
"When a case is under investigation, please do not colour the case. Let a free and fair investigation take place and do not sensationalise the matter. Allow our officers to do their job," George requested of the media while speaking to ANI.
"Morning to evening, the media broadcasted the story of the sexual assault of a school girl in the city. That is why I said that some people are putting that story because they want to raise the TRP of their channels. Morning to evening if you put news only of atrocities, rape and murder, what will people think? How can you label Bangalore a 'rape city' over only three or four incidents? The media should be more responsible," he added.
George further said that the media, through its incorrect highlighting of news, was in danger of demoralising the police force. He also stated that post the Delhi rape case of December 2012, awareness of cases of sexual assault had increased in the country.
"Whatever investigations are taking place, we have booked most of the perpetrators. Why hasn't the media highlighted this fact? Why are you demoralising the police force?" he asked.
"After the Nirbhaya case, the awareness of the people has increased and they are coming forward and filing complaints. This is a welcome step because then we can take action," George added.
Speaking of tackling incidents of sexual assault in schools, George said that guidelines have been given to the relevant departments and the Karnataka state will wait for further directions by the court.
"We have already made guidelines with the education department and the police department. Meanwhile, the court has told us not to take any penal action against the school management, which is why we are waiting. Whatever the directions of the court are, we will implement it," he said.
Earlier in the day, George accused the media of only highlighting news related to sexual assaults and projecting Bangalore as a 'rape city' to increase TRP ratings.
