Against the backdrop of the nationwide outrage over the gruesome rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, urging exemplary punishment for the perpetrators of such heinous crimes.
Chief Advisor to Mamata Banerjee Alapan Bandopadhyay read out contents of the letter before mediapersons. He confirmed the development, which said the Chief Minister has suggested setting up of special fast-track courts for speedy trials in such cases.
"I wish to bring to your kind attention the regular and increasing occurrence of rape cases throughout the country and in many cases, rapes with murder are committed.
"The available data is horrifying when it comes to almost 90 cases of rapes happening daily throughout the country. It shakes the confidence and the conscience of the society and the nation. It is, therefore, the bounden duty of all of us to put an end to it so that women feel safe and secure," the letter read. The letter was also uploaded on the official X handle of the Chief Minister.
"Such a serious and sensitive issue needs 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 trial 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," Banerjee wrote.
It came days after the bruised body of the 31-year-old trainee doctor was found in the seminar hall of the R.G. Kar Medical College on the morning of August 9. The state authorities came under strong criticism afterward, as the handling of the case led to massive protests and strikes by doctors and citizens across the country.
The Supreme Court, under whose suo moto cognisance this matter lay, has constituted a National Task Force for recommending measures to improve working conditions for health-care professionals to ensure their safety.
Earlier in the day, Trinamool Congress General Secretary and Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee urged all the state governments to build up pressure on the Centre to frame a strong and effective anti-rape law ensuring fast-track trial and justice.
He further stated, "What the country needs is stricter laws that mandatorily provide for trial and the conviction to be completed within 50 days followed by harsh punishment, and 'not just big promises.'
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