A protester holds a placard to protest the gang rape incident in New Delhi. PHOTO: REUTERS/ FILE
Self-styled godman Asharam, known to his followers as "Bapu" or father, told his devotees that blame for the assault on a moving bus in New Delhi on December 16 should not just rest with her attackers.
"This tragedy would not have happened if she had chanted God's name and fallen at the feet of the attackers. The error was not committed by just one side," he said in video footage which has been widely circulated on the Internet.
The 71-year-old's remarks – the latest in a series of gaffes by public figures blaming women for the country's rape epidemic – drew a chorus of condemnation.
Ravi Shankar Prasad, spokesman for the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said the statement was "deeply disturbing and painful".
"For him to make the statement in relation to a crime which has shocked the conscience of the country is not only unfortunate but deeply regrettable," he told reporters.
The Hindu newspaper said it was "a disgrace when a man of religion stoops so low".
"Asharam deserves to be condemned in the strongest words," the daily added in an editorial.
The editorial also criticised politicians from the ruling Congress party as well as the BJP for their sexist commentary on the Delhi rape and the need for Indian women to stay home and make traditional choices.
"Their notions of... an ideal society appear rooted in the very prejudices that have engendered a culture of violence against women, the Delhi incident being its most recent and horrific manifestation," the newspaper said.
Abhijit Mukherjee, the son of India's president who is a Congress lawmaker, landed himself in hot water last month after comparing women who took part in protests over the gang-rape to patched up second-hand cars.
Five men have been charged with rape and murder in the December 16 attack on the young student. A sixth accused, who is 17, is to be tried in a separate court for juveniles.
COMMENTS (17)
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...in other news, water is still wet.
That's the true face of India that its propaganda machine tries to cover up. What prayer does this guru have for the hundreds of female fetuses that are dumped at the bottom of wells or thrown in the garbage around India?
@Parvez: "What has to be appreciated is that a religious leader voiced his opinion and his view has been rightly discarded by the public and the publics voice is being heard." Strongly disagree with you. There is nothing to be appreciated here. How do these idiots become religious leaders and how do they get their followers? I would have been happy if his followers had trashed him verbally at least and instantaneously as soon as he expressed such filthy and perverted opinion.
I am happy that such ludicrous statements are considered and the person is embarrassed in the media. Be it President's son or this nutcase who is out of touch with basic Human values.
Voices which are not liberal are not tolerated. Good news.
Nevery shortages of Idiots, Its these breeds of humans who brings miseries to mankind
@Saki Naka: . ".... all the religious preachers, irrespective of creeds, are in favor of curbing women rights and confine them in home." . You hit the nail. All the Rabbis, Priests, Mullahs, Hindu Gurus and the Big Kahunas get their basic training at the same school as the politicians. At the advanced level one can specialise in some particular confession.
After human rights activists brought the case to national and international attention, Senator Israr Ullah Zehri (president of Balochistan National Party Awami) defended the killings in Parliament and asked his fellow legislators not to make a fuss about the incident. He said, "These are centuries-old traditions, and I will continue to defend them. Only those who indulge in immoral acts should be afraid"
send him to pakistan. both will be happy
He is not that different then from munawar hasan of ji or tsunami khan of pti.
That's why we say don't listen to these Hindu gurus.
When I look closely, all the religious preachers, irrespective of creeds, are in favor of curbing women rights and confine them in home.
Sadly people like these including the Bal Thackeray have always enjoyed popular support in India
Someone please kill that man . is he Crazy ? Now all rapists after raping the victim wud want mercy appeals just hang them all in public & end this justice waiting game
What has to be appreciated is that a religious leader voiced his opinion and his view has been rightly discarded by the public and the publics voice is being heard.
India shining some more!