Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara has said that the Government will book those accused of sexually assaulting women and children under the Goonda Act.

Replying to JD(S) MLA K. Gopalaiah in the State Assembly on Tuesday, he said the sexual offenders will be  booked under the Goonda Act and stringent action will be taken against them.

The Home Minister further said that a Police patrol vehicle Abhaya will be launched exclusively to ensure safety of women and children. As many as 303 cases of assault on women, 1,423 cases of atrocities, 923 cases of sexual abuse and 255 cases of chain-snatching were reported in Bengaluru last year.

He further said reservation for women in the Police Department has been increased to 20 percent from 5 percent and a separate women’s battalion in KSRP would be established.

900 new liquor shop licence this year: Chief Minister Siddharamaiah said that the State Government will be issuing 900 new liquor shop licences this year.

Replying to a question by JD(S) MLA H.D. Revanna during question hour, Siddharamaiah said the State-run MSIL has been issued licence (CL-2) for setting up liquor shops across the State.

Explaining the steps taken by the Government for curbing illicit liquor menace, the CM said the new licence will ensure that people from rural areas do not fall prey to illicit liquor.

Replying to a question by S.N. Subba Reddy, the CM said the State Government will file a review petition on the recent Supreme Court order banning liquor shops along the State and National Highways.

Siddharamaiah also clarified that the Government would not evict liquor shops along the Highways until the Apex Court gives its ruling on the State’s review petition.