Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Cites Data: 90 Rape Cases Reported Daily, Calls for Swift Central Legislation
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in rape cases across the country, citing data that reveals nearly 90 rapes occur daily. She emphasized the urgent need for stringent central legislation and the establishment of fast-track courts to deliver swift justice in such cases.
The letter follows the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor during a rest break at a Kolkata hospital on August 9, which sparked widespread protests and strikes by doctors nationwide.
“Respected Prime Minister, it is deeply distressing to note the increasing frequency of rape incidents across the country. The available data indicates that nearly 90 cases occur daily, shaking the very fabric of our society. It is our collective responsibility to address this and ensure the safety of women,” read the letter, as announced by Alapan Bandopadhyay, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister, during a press conference.
Banerjee’s letter called for comprehensive central legislation that would impose severe punishments on perpetrators of such heinous crimes. She also advocated for the creation of special fast-track courts to expedite the trial process, suggesting that these trials should ideally be completed within 15 days.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court expressed its dismay over the Kolkata Police’s delay in registering the unnatural death of the woman doctor at RG Kar Hospital, labeling the situation as “extremely disturbing.” The court also urged protesting doctors to return to work, emphasizing that both justice and healthcare services must not be halted.
In response to the Kolkata incident, the Supreme Court directed the Union Ministry of Health to collaborate with state governments and police officials to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals. The court ordered that this safety review be completed within a week and stated that peaceful protests should not be disrupted by the West Bengal government.
On August 13, the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation of the doctor’s case from the Kolkata Police to the CBI, which commenced its probe on August 14. Kolkata Police had arrested Sanjoy Roy, a civic police volunteer, a day after the doctor’s body was discovered, but no further arrests have been made.
Late Wednesday, the Bengal Health Department announced the transfer of three senior officials from RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, including its Principal and Vice Principal, in response to demands from the protesting junior doctors and medical students.
