Haryana CM's remarks on rape stirs controversy
"The incidents of rape have not increased... Rapes used to take place in the past and even today as well. (Only) the concern (over such incidents) has increased,” said Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar as he courted a controversy on Friday.
At a function in Kalka town of Panchkula district, the chief minister said "The biggest concern is that in 80 to 90 per cent of rape and eve-teasing cases, the accused and the victim know each other.”
“In many cases, they know each other for a long time and, on one day, when there is an argument (between them over some issue).. an FIR is lodged, saying: 'He has raped me'”, he added.
The remarks by Khattar drew sharp criticism from the Congress, which said the state government's "anti-women mindset" was exposed.
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala hit out at the chief minister and termed the statement deplorable.
Surjewala took to Twitter and said "Anti-Women Mindset of Khattar Govt Exposed! Haryana CM Khattar ji makes an utterly condemnable remark. Blaming Women for complete failures to control Rapes & Gangrapes? Deplorable!"
