NEW DELHI: CBI director Ranjit Sinha on Wednesday expressed regret if he had hurt anyone inadvertently, when faced with criticism over his remark on rape. He said he had deep sense of regard and respect for women and commitment to gender issues. In a statement, Sinha said his comments came only in the context of legalizing betting in sports.

"I gave my opinion that betting should be legalized and that if the laws cannot be enforced that does not mean that laws should not be made. This is as erroneous as saying that if rape is inevitable one should lie back and enjoy it. I regret any hurt caused as the same was inadvertent and unintended. I reiterate my deep sense of regard and respect for women and commitment to gender issues," he said.

The CBI director, who was on the panel of a session on "Ethics and integrity in sports - need for a law and role of CBI", had said last night that there was no harm in legalizing betting in the country. Former Indian cricket captain Rahul Dravid and BCCI's anti-corruption chief RN Sawani were among other participants.

"If you cannot enforce the ban on betting, it is like saying if you can't prevent rape, you enjoy it", he had said. Sinha on Wednesday said that the law should be strictly enforced and absence of enforcement or lack of will for does not mean that law should be avoided.

The CBI chief's statement followed fuming reactions from several women organizations including National Commission for Women including former IPS officer Kiran Bedi. She said the CBI chief has "blundered" with his words and he must come out with a public apology for his comment.