"We are surprised over the statement of Andhra director general of police, who mentioned that women are the main cause of rape because of the way they dress," a statement issued by the Civil Society Women's Organization (CSWO) here said.
"What about minors? Three-year-olds and 5-year-olds, what about them?" the CSWO asked in an apparent reference to rampant rapes of minor girls. Agnes Kharshiing of CSWO said, "He (Andhra DGP) is covering up for the laziness of cops entrusted with investigation and their connivance with the perpetrators to make money."
She added, "Most rape cases do not get convictions due to faulty investigation. There are cases where even medical reports are tampered with to help the accused." The CSWO said the statement of Andhra DGP only shows that his force is against women and with the perpetrators.
"We expect the National Commission for Women to take note of this statement, which encourages rape," the CSWO added. Andhra Pradesh DGP V Dinesh Reddy on Friday said one of the factors responsible was modern women's preference for fashionable dresses like salwar kameezes.
"Rapes and murders are not strictly under the control of police. People are turning out to be more fashionable nowadays. Even in villages, they are wearing salwar kameezes. All these lead to provocations and this cannot be under the control of police," the DGP said evoking strong condemnation throughout the country.