Indian politician Mulayam Singh Yadav has sparked an outrage with his remarks on gang rape, saying that it is not "practically possible" for four men to rape a woman together.
Seventy-five-year-old Yadav, chief of Samajwadi Party and former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, said on Tuesday that while one person commits a rape, four are named in the police report, though rape by four persons is practically not possible, according to India Today.
"Often if one person commits rape, four people are named in the complaint. Four people are named for rape, can it be possible? It is not practical. They probably say one was watching...another was there... If there are four brothers, then all four are named," Yadav said while addressing a public function in Lucknow, according to New Delhi TV.
Mulayam Singh Yadav's remarks have been widely condemned and drew sharp reaction on social media.
Mulayam Singh Yadav is the biggest misogynist. Such male chauvinists have no business representing India in the 21st century. Shame.
— Rahul Kanwal (@rahulkanwal) August 19, 2015
Mulayam Singh Yadav needs the most powerful vaccum cleaner for his mind.He is a disgrace to the country. #Shame — Anjana Om Kashyap (@anjanaomkashyap) August 19, 2015
Subtle abetment to rape by Mulayam Singh Yadav. Has he never heard of gang rape?? Deplorable
— shazia ilmi (@shaziailmi) August 19, 2015
What is Mulayam Singh Yadav's obsession with rapists?? Why is he always out there, shielding them, justifying their action?? — Priti Gandhi (@MrsGandhi) August 19, 2015
This is not the first time that veteran politician has made shocking remarks on rape. Mulayam, in 2014, had said that there should not be harsh punishment for rapists.
"First girls develop friendship with boys. They when differences occur, they level rape charges. Boys commit mistakes. Will they be hanged for rape," he had said while opposing death penalty for three men convicted in a gang rape, according to Indian Express.
