Sandeep criticised for making fun of rape issue on national TV

KATHMANDU, July 10: Comedian and television host Sandeep Chhetri has been harshly criticised for making fun of a rape issue on national television. 

He had invited actor Paul Shah, who was acquitted by the district and high courts on the charge of statutory rape, to the program "What the Flop" on Kantipur Television.

Shah detailed his experience of being jailed in the program. Chhetri made fun of his experience as Shah was narrating it in the program.

He has been facing widespread criticism for making a joke out of a sensitive topic like rape. "Paul Shah and Sandeep's disgusting scene of poking fun at statutory rape", Amrita Lamsal wrote in a tweet.

Similarly, Dinesh Kaji wrote, "How can a father of a daughter be so shameless? …His daughter's face didn't come to his mind in their pain? He's even making fun of it."

After the harsh criticisms, Kantipur's Chairman and Managing Director Kailash Sirohiya vowed to take the issue seriously and to take due actions for upcoming programs.

A few days ago, the singer, who was a victim of the incident, said that she was still being persecuted by society and wished to not be born as a daughter in her next life.