Central Bureau of Investigation chief Ranjit Sinha is facing quite a lot of heat for a comment he made on Tuesday during a conference concerning illegal betting and gambling during sporting events.
Sinha tried to convey the idea that if the state could not control the gambling, then they could make some revenue by legalizing it. Innocent enough right? Unfortunately, he tied this along with a very inappropriate comment concerning rape.
If you can’t enforce it, it is like you can’t prevent rape, enjoy it. It is better to legalize it and earn some revenue rather than throwing up your hands.
As expected, this comment was met with outrage throughout India. Just this year, widespread protests occurred throughout India after a fatal gang rape of a 23-year-old woman in New Delhi. Clearly, this is an issue which should never be taken lightly.
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The following day, Sinha tried to explain that his words were taken out of context. He issued an apology saying,
I gave my opinion that betting should be legalized 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.
Of course, many did not accept this apology and continue to protest. Several organizations such as the National Commission for Women (NCW) and All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) call for his resignation.
Additionally, they have plans to ask the court to draw up guidelines for action against public figures who make such remarks against women to avoid situations like this in the future.
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“We will move court seeking the CBI director’s removal for his highly objectionable remarks. There is no point going to the government as they are unlikely to take steps against the CBI chief,” said AIDWA chief Sudha Sundarraman.
Kavita Krishnan, who is also part of AIDWA claims, “His explanation is making it worse. It is inadequate. By saying he was misinterpreted, he is trying to tell us we got it wrong. What he said is not a proverb. His statement endorses the analogy. Enough is enough. He must resign.”
