Mulayam’s ‘rape as mistake’ comment sparks outrage

Referring to the Shakti Mills rape case verdict, the Samajwadi Party chief said: "Boys are boys. They commit mistakes but that does not mean they should be hanged"

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh, on Thursday, described rapes as “mistakes” committed by boys, leading to outrage among, and strong condemnation by, political parties, women’s groups and the National Commission for Women.

At an election rally in Moradabad, he referred to the Shakti Mills rape verdict, awarding the death penalty to three, and said: “Boys are boys. They commit mistakes but that does not mean they should be hanged.” Mr. Singh went on say that “if returned to power, we will amend the new anti-rape law and also take action against women making false charges of rape if a relationship turns sour.”