Patna, Dec 5 (IANS): Bihar transport minister Sheela Mandal has apologised for her controversial statement about freedom fighter Babu Veer Kunwar Singh.

She had said that Veer Kunwar Singh became famous after his hand was chopped off during the freedom struggle.

"Today, everyone knows the name of Veer Kunwar Singh of Bhojpur district in Bihar. He became famous only after his hand was chopped off in freedom struggle. On the other hand, Ram Phal Mandal sacrificed his life in freedom struggle but no one knows him," Mandal had said at an event in Mathurapur village in Seetamadhi district on Thursday evening.

She said that Mandal belonged to a lower caste. Hence, he did not get fame.

"I underwent pain every time I met with family members of freedom fighter Ram Phal Mandal. He deserves respect but unfortunately he did not get it so far," Sheela Mandal said.

Sources said that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had been angered by Mandal's remarks about Veer Kunwar Singh.