Khattar's rape comment questioning victims sparks row, Kejriwal slams him
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar sparked a controversy after he said rape victims knew the accused in most cases and complained after an argument. The video of Khattar was widely shared on social media and got him criticism from all quarters. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted how can women be safe when the head of the state had such views on rapes.
Khattar claims argument leads to FIR in rape cases
Khattar was speaking at a function in Kalka town of Panchkula district where he claimed rapes happened earlier too, but these days the concerns were high. "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'," Khattar said.
Khattar's statements were bound to spark a controversy
Surjewala terms the comments 'deplorable', demands apology
Soon Khattar received ire for this words. Congress' spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted: 'Anti-Women' Mindset of Khattar Govt Exposed! Haryana CM Khattarji makes an utterly condemnable remark. Blaming Women for complete failures to control Rapes & Gangrapes? Deplorable! CM should apologize. Kejriwal tweeted this was the reason rapists weren't brought to justice in Haryana and roamed freely.
How can women feel safe in Haryana, asks Kejriwal
Khattar and his misogynistic statements
Khattar has a reputation for making misogynistic remarks. In 2014, he blamed women's attire on rapes and 'advised' them to dress 'properly'. When asked about freedom of choice of women, Khattar had said, "If they need freedom then why don't they just roam around naked? Our country's tradition asks girls to dress decently." Four years later, it looks like his thoughts haven't changed.