New Delhi, April 19: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday reacted to the controversial remark issued by BJP Bhopal Lok Sabha seat candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur against late former Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare, who was probing terror charges against her. The priest-politician said Karkare was killed in the 26/11 attack a month after she "cursed" him.

The Gandhi scion, whose party has demanded the Election Commission to take suo moto cognizance of the incident, said a security officer who sacrificed his life while protecting the nation should be treated with utmost respect. Sadhvi Pragya In Trouble Over Remarks Against Hemant Karkare? MP CEO Received Complaint Against BJP Bhopal Candidate

"Hemant Karkare gave his life protecting India. He must be treated with respect," the Congress chief said.

Check Rahul Gandhi's Tweet Below:

Sadhvi Pragya, while addressing the press on Thursday, broke down referring to the alleged torture she suffered during detention by Maharashtra ATS.

The investigation team called Hemant Karkare and said if you do not have evidence, let her go. He said, I will do anything to get evidence against her. I won't let her go. This was his hatred (kuteelta). He was anti-national. He was dharam virudh (anti-religion). You won't believe, but I said, 'tera sarvanashhoga'. Just after 'sawa' month, terrorists killed him," she said.

The IPS Association - a group of serving and professional Indian Police Service staff - also issued a statement marking their strong dissent against the remarks disparaging Karkare.

"Ashok Chakra awardee late Sri Hemant Karkare, IPS made the supreme sacrifice fighting terrorists. Those of us in uniform condemn the insulting statement made by a candidate and demand that sacrifices of all our martyrs be respected," the statement said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 19, 2019 07:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).