Facing massive protests over brutal rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a tougher legislation against rape.
In her letter, which was shared by her chief adviser Alapan Bandyopadhyay, the Chief Minister said that it was “horrifying to see that almost 90 cases of rapes occurred daily throughout the country”.
“This shakes the confidence and conscience of the society and the nation. It is a bounden duty for all of us to put an end to it so that the women feel safe and secure,” she wrote according to her chief adviser Alapan Bandyopadhyay.
“Such serious and sensitive issues need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner through stringent Central legislation prescribing exemplary punishment against the persons involved in such dastardly crimes. Setting up of fast-track special courts for speedy trials in such cases should also be considered in the proposed legislation to ensure quick justice. Trial in such cases should preferably be completed within 15 days.”
Earlier today, Trinamool Congress MP and Mamata Banerjee’s nephew, Abhishek Banerjee said the country needs a strong law that mandates trials and convictions within 50 days, followed by the severest punishments.
In a tweet, he said that over the past 10 days, while the nation has been protesting against the RG Kar Medical College incident and demanding justice, 900 rapes had occurred across different parts of India.
“Sadly, a lasting solution still remains largely undiscussed. With 90 RAPES REPORTED DAILY, 4 EVERY HOUR AND 1 EVERY 15 MINUTES – the urgency for a decisive action is clear. We need strong laws that mandate TRIALS & CONVICTIONS WITHIN 50 days, followed by the severest punishments, not just empty promises. State Governments must act and urgently push the Union for a comprehensive anti-rape law that ensures swift and strict justice. Anything less is merely symbolic and tragically ineffective.”
