Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah caught napping during rape debate in LA

Bangalore, July 19: Karnataka chief minister

on Friday found himself in an embarrassing spot as video footage on TV channels showed him apparently dozing off during a debate on sexual offences against women in the Legislative Assembly.

Siddaramaiah was seen in the video grab tilting his head in the front with eyes closed as the House was immersed in an animated debate with the opposition BJP going hammer and tongs against the government over a spate of recent sexual offences and gunned for the resignation of home minister K J George.

The video shot was aired by TV channels but the chief minister said he was not napping. "I was not sleeping. Who told you? It is not correct," Siddaramaiah said to reporters' question."I was very much attentive. I was listening to that (debate)," the chief minister said.

The BJP had raised the issue of alleged rape of a six-year old girl student in a prominent public school in Bangalore which came to light on July 15 though it took place on July 2 and the alleged rape of a 22-year old woman who was sitting in a car with her friend here on July 10 midnight.

A 16-year old nun was allegedly raped here on Wednesday at a seminary where she was staying to undergo training. The series of incidents has sparked a public outrage and protests, particularly the horrific rape of the minor girl in the school.

PTI