An Indian official raised eyebrows with his inflammatory explanation of what has caused a spike in rapes in Haryana, India.

“To my understanding, consumption of fast food contributes to such incidents,” said Jitender Chhatar, a khap panchayat (town council) leader. “Chowmein leads to hormonal imbalance evoking an urge to indulge in such acts.”

Chhatar further expounded on his theory, according to the Times of India.

“You also know the impact of chowmein, which is a spicy food, on our body,” Chhatar said. “Hence, our elders also advised to consume light and nutritious food.”

India Today reports that Chatar also blames burgers and pizzas for the rise in rapes. According to Chatar, if people adopt a simple lifestyle, the number of rapes will decline.

One rape victim in Haryana told First Post she believes social inequality plays a role in violence against women.

“Girls can’t go out alone, they can’t be seen outside their houses,” the victim said. “Rape is not committed on minors alone. It happens against married women too. But they cannot speak out because of fear.”

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