The remark by President Pranab Mukherjee’s son Abhijit that the anti-rape protesters in Delhi were only “dented and painted women” not only evoked criticism from the public, it also angered his own family.

Although the Congress MP tendered an “unconditional” apology on Thursday for his comment on a television show on Christmas Day, he had been “spoken to” by his father.

Abhijit had said, “It is fashionable for a section to hold protest marches...They come all dented and painted.”

The President reportedly told his son to be careful in future while commenting on such issues.

Even the President's daughter, Sharmistha, apologised for her brother's comment. "This statement does not reflect the values of our family. The way rapes and molestations are increasing across the country we need to protest and all these are spontaneous protests."

(With PTI inputs)