NCW sends notice to Tapas Paul over rape remark

New Delhi, July 1 (IANS) The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Tuesday issued notice to Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Tapas Paul seeking an explanation for his controversial rape remark.

The NCW took suo motu cognizance of media reports and complaints received from various organisations on the "derogatory statement against women" made by the Trinamool parliamentarian.

The panel asked Paul to provide an explanation in the matter, said an official release.

In a separate letter written to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, NCW chairperson Mamta Sharma requested her to examine the matter and take necessary action to safeguard the dignity of women in the state.

Strongly condemning such action by an elected member of the party, Sharma said crimes against women were on the rise in the country and such remarks and comments have an inflammatory effect on the mindset of anti-social elements.

In similar letters to President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sharma expressed serious concern over the comments made by Paul and requested them to take action against him.