While the entire country is outraged over the recent incidents of rapes of minors, Union minister Santosh Gangwar has stirred a controversy by saying that rapes cannot be stopped.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Gangwar said, "Such incidents [rape cases] are unfortunate but cannot be stopped. The government is alert, and is taking the necessary action. If 1-2 such incidents occur in such a big country, we shouldn't hype them."

The minister later cleared with the news agency saying, "Action should be taken even in rare incidents. Centre took quick action yesterday (POCSO Act amendment). I urge media to cooperate and not sensationalise such cases."

Santosh Gangwar is the Minister of State for Finance.

Gangwar's statement comes hours after the central government passed an ordinance to amend the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to grant death penalty for the rape of girls under the age of 12.

Incidents of gang rape in BJP-led Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir shocked the country. The gangrapes of minors in Kathua and Unnao led to massive outrage from all across India.

Also read: Centre approves death penalty for rape of children below 12 years under POSCO Act. All about the amendment

WATCH | Death penalty cleared by Cabinet for rapists of children below age 12