Goa tourism minister Dilip Parulekar today tendered apology for his controversial remark about a recent gang-rape in the state.
"I am withdrawing my statement. I am apologising for it. I didn't mean to support the rape," Parulekar told PTI tonight.
Reacting to the gang rape of two Delhi-based girls, the minister had said it was a stray incident, and the culprits were 'naadan' (naive/idiots). He had also said that the culprits were not Goans.
The statement evoked a sharp reaction from various quarters.
Goa Youth Congress held a protest in the city this evening while NCP leader Trojano D'mello demanded resignation of the minister.
Two Delhi-based girls, holidaying in Goa, were waylaid and raped by five men on Monday night. All the five were later arrested.
