Rape comments not insensitive, but misquoted: Parrikar

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Wednesday said his comments in the media on women and rape were misquoted and there was no insensitivity in his comments.

Communicating via his official Twitter handle, Parrikar said: "Whatever I have spoken at the Annual Day of the Goa State Industries Association (GSIA), attended by a lot of women, is in public domain... No sensible person with knowledge of English will ever think there is any insensitivity in my address. This time, the concerned owe me an apology."

Since the beginning of the week, Parrikar has been quoted in several sections of the media, including IANS, as saying: "If a woman is raped, she has to deal with inquiries only from one inspector, but if someone wants to start an industry, they have to deal with 16 inspectors."

A video which has been circulated Wednesday by the well-wishers of the chief minister now suggests that Parrikar had in effect said "that if he committed a rape he would have to face one inspector, but in case he wants to set up a business he would have to face 26 inspectors".

Parrikar made the comments last week during the GSIA meet while recounting an anecdote during his speech.

The remarks coupled by the comments made by Public Works Department Minister Sudin Dhavalikar demanding a ban on mini-skirts and bikinis in night clubs and beaches have created a national stir.