New Delhi, March 20 -- Priyank Kanoongo, a member of the National Human Rights Commission, on Thursday strongly criticized the Allahabad High Court's observation that "holding breast, breaking pyjama's string is not a crime of rape."

Kanoongo emphasised the alarming nature of this statement, particularly given the young age of the victim, who is only 11 years old

Kanoongo questioned how an 11-year-old could be expected to comprehend the definition of rape and attempted rape, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. He pointed out that the child was dragged to a secluded location, where an attempt was made to tear off her clothes and touch her inappropriately. Kanoongo argued that if this doesn't constitute rape, then what does?

"Ho...