At a recent panel discussion, Ranjit Sinha, while expressing his views on legalizing betting in sports, made a comment for which he was forced to apologize later. His view reflects poorly on the investigative agency which probes several high-profile cases and is held in high esteem in our country. Though he made the remark to drive home the point that it was better to legalize betting in sports if it cannot be fought effectively, using rape as an analogy for the same was in extremely poor taste.
Sinha has apologized for his remark and explained that he was only citing an “inadvertent and unintended” analogy while discussing his views on gambling and betting. The implication was that rape, like betting, was inevitable in any society. However, many leading women’s rights activists in the country remain unconvinced. The National Commission for Women, dissatisfied with Sinha’s tepid apology, has called for his resignation.
References to rape should not be made in an insensitive manner. They severely compromise the attempts the country is making to deal with sexual assault.
K.A. Solaman, Kerala
The Telegraph, Calcutta, dated Nov 19, 2013
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