Women''s panel summons Salman on July 8 for rape remarks

New Delhi, June 30

Unsatisfied with the written reply from Salman Khan, National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday summoned the Bollywood actor to appear before it on July 8 in connection with his controversial "rape" remarks.

The Commission also warned the 50-year-old actor that if he fails to appear before the panel, it may proceed to take action as it deems fit.

The Maharashtra State Commission for Women yesterday issued summons for Salman's personal appearance on July 7 after the actor failed to turn up before it to offer explanation for his rape analogy to describe the gruelling shoot for his upcoming film 'Sultan'.

"Commission finds that you are not willing to apologise for the remarks made by you. The explanation offered by you, after making such an irresponsible and callous statement...doesn't amount to an apology. Your reply is therefore not satisfactory," the NCW said in its notice issued today.

"You are hereby required to appear before the Commission in person on 8th July. Take further notice that in default, the Commission may proceed to take such appropriate action as it deems fit," the Commission added.

The NCW notice was issued after Salman during a media interaction had said his gruelling workout for 'Sultan' left him feeling like a 'raped woman', a remark which evoked a sharp reaction from activists and others.

While Salim Khan, Salman's father, apologised on behalf of his son after the strong reactions, the actor himself has not apologised for his comments. — PTI