Congress MLA links rape to religious texts:Baraiya claims scriptures say assaulting SC-ST women grants spiritual rewards

A video of Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya from the Bhander seat in Datia district has sparked outrage after he allegedly linked rape to religious scriptures. In the video, he claims that religious texts state that if a person cannot visit a pilgrimage site, they can rape a Dalit or tribal woman or girl to receive the same spiritual benefits as a pilgrimage. MLA’s allegation: Religious texts promote rape In the video, Baraiya says that most rapes in India occur in the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Most Other Backward Classes (MOBC) communities. He then explains a supposed theory behind rape, stating that if a person sees an “extremely beautiful woman” while travelling, their mind may get distracted and lead to rape. He continues, claiming, Among tribals and SC communities, where are such beautiful women? In MOBC, are there such beautiful women?” He asks why rape happens, and answers: “Because religious scriptures provide such instructions. When asked whether Hindu scriptures contain such directives, Baraiya responds that he is not concerned whether they are Hindu or not. “My point is that the scriptures mention that if a person has sexual relations with women of certain castes, they will receive the spiritual benefits of a pilgrimage,” he says. The statements were made during a social media interview. ‘Pilgrimage alternative’ – Baraiya’s shocking claim Baraiya further claims that for those unable to visit pilgrimage sites, there is an “alternative option”, Catch women from these communities at home and have intercourse with them, and you will receive the same spiritual merit. He asks whether anyone would agree to this, and suggests that in desperation, people might attempt to assault women under the cover of darkness. Questioning the logic behind rape Baraiya attempts to justify rape by saying that a person would never rape a woman if she refuses. He then questions why rapes happen against babies aged four months, ten months or one year, asking whether their bodies are ready for sex. He suggests that the rapist believes, If I rape a woman or girl of that caste, I will get the spiritual reward.