Following sharp reactions to his “hue and cry over one or two rapes” comment, Union Minister Santosh Gangwar has issued a clarification.
Speaking to ANI, Gangwar said that instead of what it came across as, he was saying that action should be taken even in rare incidents. He also asked the media to cooperate and not sensationalise such cases.
I said action should be taken even in rare incidents. Centre took quick action, yesterday (with the POCSO Act amendment). I urge media to cooperate and not sensationalise such cases.Santosh Gangwar
Gangwar on Saturday, 21 April, had said that rampant incidents of rape in the country are unfortunate, but sometimes they cannot be prevented.
“Such incidents (rape cases) are unfortunate, but sometimes cannot be prevented,” Gangwar told media.
Asserting that the Central government is actively taking action against such incidents, he said that a “hue and cry should not be created” if “one or two incidents” rake up in a big country like India.
The minister's statement comes amid outrage over the Kathua and Unnao rape cases that have shocked the conscience of the nation.
In the wake of these incidents, the Union Cabinet on Saturday approved the amendment in the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act putting a stamp on the death penalty for rapists of children below 12 years of age.
(With inputs from ANI)
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