President's son Abhijit Mukherjee calls gangrape protesting women 'dented and painted'

Abhijit's comments soon became viral on the net, and criticism flew thick and fast, embarrassing the nation's first family no end.

Soon, his sister Sarmishtha stepped forward to undo the damage. "I am quite surprised and disappointed with what my brother said. I apologise on his behalf," said the danseuse.

"I express my utter shock and anguish. I really apologise to every women, man and every sensitive person in this country".

"Not only as a president's son, but as any sensitive man, he should not have made this kind of statement. Forget about being a political leader, it shows a certain degree of insensitivity," she said in New Delhi.

To a query as to whether Abhijit should apologise, she said: "I completely agree. He should immediately apologise.

"Not only as a President's son, but as any sensitive man, he should not have made this kind of statement. Forget about being a political leader, it shows a certain degree of insensitivity... My family is not like that," Sarmishtha said.