CBI director regrets the rape analogy

Sinha says he regrets any hurt caused as it unintended

CBI chief Ranjit Sinha today came out with a series of clarifications which culminated into a well-guarded apology after the bizzare analogy between legalising betting and rape turned volatile with attack from activists and opposition. “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,” Sinha told reporters today.  

Just an hour before the CBI director’s statement, the agency also issued a revised and elaborate statement made by Sinha yesterday. “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,” the statement said. It also explained the context of the voice vote taken by Shekhar Gupta, editor, Indian Express on legalizing betting in sports in the panel discussion on ethics and integrity in sports and the role of CBI.

Sinha drew a comparison of legalising betting with activities like lottery, casinos which were legal (to some extent). He said, “If the government could make provisions for voluntary disclosure of black money, then there should be no harm in legalising betting.” He then went on to add, “It is like how some people said that if you cannot prevent rape you might as well enjoy it.”

The statement issued on behalf of Sinha went on to add, “Laws should be strictly enforced and absence of enforcement or lack of will for enforcement does not mean that laws should not be made.” CBI had in fact got into damage control mode late last night. The agency, without making any reference to the “rape analogy” clarified the same point around 11:37 pm last night.

CBI is celebrating its golden jubilee in its three day annual international conference on evolving common strategies to combat corruption and crime, which concluded today. Over the past two days CBI has been slammed first by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for alleging criminal misconduct in decisions taken with no ill intention and within the prevailing policy. Singh said such approach was “flawed and excessive.” Later, the finance minister P Chidarambaram also asked investigating agencies to "not question" the wisdom of a government policy or offer unsolicited advice.