West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the enactment of stricter central laws with exemplary punishments for rape perpetrators. This request comes in the wake of the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital earlier this month, an incident that has sparked nationwide outrage.
In her letter, Banerjee expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in rape cases across the country, highlighting that nearly 90 such incidents are reported daily, with many victims also being murdered. She described this trend as horrifying, stating that it shakes the very conscience of society and the nation. Banerjee emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive central legislation to address this issue, proposing that special fast-track courts be established to ensure swift justice, ideally completing trials within 15 days.
The tragic incident has led to significant disruptions in healthcare services at state-run hospitals in West Bengal, as junior doctors at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have been on strike since August 9, the day the doctor’s body was discovered. The strike has received widespread support from across the nation. In response, the Supreme Court has taken serious note of the situation, criticizing the Kolkata Police for the delay in registering the case and emphasizing the need for quick and clear action.
The Supreme Court has also urged political parties not to politicize the tragic incident and has stressed that the law must take its course after a thorough investigation. Additionally, the court directed the Centre to provide safety measures for doctors, leading to the end of an 11-day strike by doctors in major hospitals in the national capital.
This tragic event has sparked a broader conversation about the safety of women and the need for stronger laws to protect them. Mamata Banerjee’s call for action reflects the growing demand for change in the face of such heinous crimes.
