'SC, ST girls are not beautiful but still raped because...': Congress MLA under fire over bizarre 'rape theory'

Congress MLA from Madhya Pradesh, Phool Singh Baraiya.

Congress MLA from Madhya Pradesh, Phool Singh Baraiya, sparked a massive controversy over his bizarre 'rape theory' after claiming that beautiful women can "distract" a man, which could lead to rape.

"Who are the most victims of rape in India? Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs. The theory of rape is that if a man, regardless of his mental state, is walking down the road and sees a beautiful girl, it can distract his mind and make him rape a woman," he said.

His sexist remarks did not end here. In an interview, shared on the MLA's Facebook page, Baraiya also linked the crime of rape with caste and religious interpretations. Baraiya went on to say that women belonging to the SC, ST and OBC communities are not beautiful but still get raped because it is written in scriptures, according to a report by NDTV.

Referring to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities, the MLA suggested that women from these sections are disproportionately targeted due to what he described as a "distorted belief system" rooted in ancient texts. He went on to cite a book he called Rudrayamal Tantra, claiming that perpetrators believe sexual violence against women of certain castes would bring them spiritual merit equivalent to a pilgrimage, NDTV further added.

Baraiya further claimed that rape is often committed by groups rather than individuals and also referred to cases involving infants, asserting that such crimes stem from a "perverted mindset" fuelled by these beliefs.

"It is written that by having intercourse with a woman of this caste, you will get the reward of a pilgrimage. Now, if he can't go on a pilgrimage, then what is the alternative? Have intercourse at home, and you will be rewarded... He will try to rape her by grabbing her in the dark or light. A man cannot rape a woman without her consent. That's why four-month-old and one-year-old girls are raped. He does it for a reward," the Congress MLA added.

The remarks did not sit well with BJP leaders. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav condemned the statement. "Phool Singh Baraiya has been spreading poison in society with his divisive statements, inciting social hatred. I hope that Rahul Gandhi will come and expel his MLA from the party. This would show that he has some respect for other sections of society as well. I condemn his statement," he told the media.

The BJP escalated its attack, calling the statement a reflection of a "criminal and perverted mindset." Madhya Pradesh BJP media in-charge Ashish Agarwal said the remarks were not a slip of the tongue but a serious ideological exposure.

Congress distances itself

Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari distanced the party from the remarks, stating unequivocally, "No rape can be justified in any way. Anyone who commits rape is a criminal. It cannot be linked to caste or religion."

He emphasised that sexual violence is a grave crime and that any attempt to rationalise it is unacceptable.

Social organisations also reacted strongly. All India Brahmin Society, Madhya Pradesh unit, condemned the statement. Its state president, Pushpendra Mishra, said such remarks insult women and society at large and demanded accountability.