New Delhi: CBI director Ranjit Sinha came under fire from several quarters, including some political parties and social activists, on Wednesday over his controversial remarks on rape on Tuesday, with the National Commission for Women even seeking his resignation. The commission also issued a showcause notice seeking his explanation.
While the CBI chief launched a damage control exercise and expressed “regret”, claiming he has “a deep sense of regard and respect for women and commitment to gender issues”, women activists and some politicians still pressed for his ouster.
Sinha issued a statement saying: “I gave my opinion that betting should be legalised, and if the laws cannot be enforced, that does not mean 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.”
Women activists with placards sat on dharna outside the CBI headquarters, while NCW chief Mamata Sharma said the commission would “write” to the government demanding Sinha’s immediate sacking. “This is such an unfortunate statement given by a officer of such a level. He should resign from his post.
We are going to write to the ministry recommending his resignation. We have also sought an explanation from him for his statement that he is supposed to send us within 24 hours,” the NCW chief told this newspaper.
Despite the criticism, sources said there was no question of the CBI chief’s departure. This became clear with the Congress saying he had anyway “apologised”.
