NCW sends notice to Maharashtra women's commission member Asha Mirje over rape remark

Asha Mirje has been given seven days by National Commission for Women to explain her remark on gang rape victims 

New Delhi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has sought an explanation from Maharashtra women's commission member Asha Mirje for her remarks on the Dec 16, 2012 Delhi and the 2013 Mumbai's Shakti Mills gang-rape victims.

Asha Mirge, member of Maharashtra Women's Commission. File pic 

Taking suo motu cognisance of Mirje's remarks, the NCW said her comments were "bizarre" and the worst remarks made by anyone occupying an official position.

"She has made a bizarre and outrageous statement blaming Nirbhaya and the Shakti Mills victims for inviting trouble and getting victimised at the hands of rapists. This gives a message that rapes happen because of women who do not follow the rules of patriarchal society," NCW member Nirmala Samant Prabhwalkar said.

The commission has sent a letter to Mirje seeking an explanation within seven days, officials said.

Mirje, also a member of the Nationalist Congress Party, said the victims had only themselves to blame for the sexual assault.

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