Just as prime minister Manmohan Singh finished his televised speech to the nation about the gangrape of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi, he asked the cameraperson "theek hai?" (did it go alright?).

The blooper was watched by millions and #theekhai" became the top trending Twitter topic. Twitter wits lost no time in ridiculing the prime minister and at last count at least 560 #theekhai" tweets had been posted at the last count, according to SAP Social Media Analytics, a software which tracks the Internet for a topic.

"Hamara PM weak hai. Baaki sab #theekhai (Our PM is weak, but rest is fine)," tweeted @JoyDas.

"Monday mornings never so fun. Thank you @PMOIndia--#theekhai," tweeted @SumeetCJ. The PM's speech didn't seem to have impressed people on Twitter and his blooper may add to the impression that his government had done little to calm anger against rapes in the country.

Some reacted with anger. "Girls are raped, protestors are injured, Accused are not being hanged, par sab #TheekHai," tweeted @kartik_kapur.           

Singh, in a brief address on television on Monday, appealed to the people to maintain peace and calm, and said that "violence will serve no purpose". He said action would be taken against the rapists who committed the "ghastly" act on the woman.

"There is genuine and justified anger and anguish at this ghastly incident," the prime minister said, adding: "I assure you that we will make all possible efforts to ensure security and safety of women in this country."

The prime minister referred to the steps earlier announced by Home Minister Shushilkumar Shinde and said: "The home minister has already spoken about the steps being taken. We will examine without delay not only the responses to this terrible crime but also all aspects concerning the safety of women and children."

"Our government will keep you informed of the steps taken. I appeal to all sections of society to maintain peace and help us in our efforts," the prime minister said, adding: "As a father of three daughters, I feel as strongly about the incident as any other. We will ensure justice is delivered in the case."