Goa rape case: BJP seeks apology from Naik for remarks

BJP has sought public apology from Rajya Sabha member of Parliament Shantaram Naik for his remarks on the floor of the house on Tuesday on the Russian girl rape case.

BJP’s Goa unit spokesman Govind Parvatkar said that such baseless and irresponsible statements have defamed Goa’s credential as a safe state. "He should give public apology for his act," he added.

BJP’s press conference came on the sidelines of the ongoing State legislative assembly session, which had a reference to Naik’s statement, which had evoked strong resentment in the Rajya Sabha.

Leader of opposition, Manohar Parrikar, demanded that the house should initiate a discussion on the matters related to law and order problems in the state.

The BJP spokesman, while talking to media, alleged that Naik has projected an image of an unsafe Goa through his speech in the Parliament. "Does he mean to say that the home department is inadequate to handle the law and order situation properly,” he questioned.

He said that when men can go around freely and safely during odd hours, its not wise to discourage women from being out in the night. "State police should ensure the safety of every individual," Parvatkar said.

The BJP leader said that everyone, including tourists, arriving in the state should feel safe after landing in the state.

Naik on Tuesday had commented that an alleged rape of a lady who moves with strangers for days together even beyond middle of the night is to be treated differently.