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Under fire for his "rape" analogy, Central Bureau of Investigation Director Ranjit Sinha on Wednesday apologised for his controversial remark and said he has deep sense of regard and respect for women and commitment to gender issues.
As Sinha's "If you can't prevent rape, you enjoy it" remark on Tuesday sparked an outrage and also triggered a demand for his resignation from Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nitin Gadkari and Communist Party of India-Marxist's Brinda Karat, the National Commission for Women issued a show cause notice to him seeking an explanation within 24 hours. Karat said the remark was "very offensive".
BOO CBI director Ranjit Sinha for 'rape' remark
In a statement, Sinha said he had made the comment in the context of legalising betting in sports.
"I gave my opinion that betting should be legalised and that if the laws cannot be enforced that does not mean that laws should not be made. This is as erroneous as saying that if rape is inevitable one should lie back and enjoy it.
"I regret any hurt caused as the same was inadvertent and unintended. I reiterate my deep sense of regard and respect for women and commitment to gender issues," he said.
Sinha, who was participating in a panel discussion on "Ethics and integrity in sports--need for a law and role of CBI" in New Delhi last night, had said there was no harm in legalizing betting in the country.
Also read:Why I'm outraged by the CBI director's remarks
"If you cannot enforce the ban on betting, it is like saying if you can't prevent rape, you enjoy it", he had said.
Sinha maintained on Wednesday that law should be strictly enforced and absence of enforcement or lack of will does not mean that law the should not be made.
NCW while disapproving of Sinha's remark said it would take a decision on recommending his removal to the Central government after getting the explanation from him.
"Ranjit Sinha, the CBI director, has made a controversial statement. We will not only condemn it, but also protest against it. He holds such a high position and as the protector of law, how can he make such an insentitive and irresponsible statement," said NCW member Nirmala Samant Prabhavalkar.
"It shows his sick mindset and we feel that if necessary we may recommend the government to seek his resignation after the explanation. We will take proper action and will definitely see that such kind of thing is not tolerated."
BJP's Nirmala Sitharaman said top police officers should show sensitivity to gender issues.
Gadkari while demanding Sinha's resignation said he is not fit to hold the top post of CBI chief.
"I am absolutely outraged that an officer from a responsible office can make such an utterly offensive analysis. I do believe that there should be a strong message sent that it is just intolerable and he has to quit office," Brinda Karat said.