Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala has triggered a controversy in Kerala with his remark about the accused in a rape case. 

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala's comment on rape has sparked controversy. Chennithala questioned ‘is there any specific rule that only DYFI activists can rape?’

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As many started trolling and ministers sought apology from the Opposition leader, Chennithala said that his words were misconstrued. "What I meant was not just DYFI workers, but NGO union workers are also involved in sexual assault. There should not be any kind of assault against women," he said.

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Calling his remark "insulting", health minister KK Shailaja has sought an apology. "Ramesh Chennithala should apologise for making a statement which insults women."

For the uninitiated, the case involves the rape of a woman who came to seek her quarantine release certificate from a health official. The Thiruvananthapuram Police have arrested a health official and the authorities have also suspended him.

 The official has been arrested under Section 376 (Punishment for rape) of the Indian Penal Code.