Kolkata: As the heat grows on Mamata Banerjee over the gruesome rape and murder of a junior doctor at state-run RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, the West Bengal chief minister on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi bringing to his attention ‘increasing occurrence of rape cases throughout the country’.
At a time when there is a growing demand for Mamata’s resignation, not only by the BJP but also by lakhs of non-political protesters, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) sought to highlight the situation on sexual crimes against women pan-India.
“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. According to the available data, it is horrifying to see that almost 90 cases of rape occur daily throughout the country. This shakes the confidence and conscience of the society and the nation,” Mamata wrote in the letter, which was read out to mediapersons by the CM’s chief advisor Alapan Bandyopadhyay.
Mamata went on to suggest that trial in such cases be completed within 15 days.
“We must end it so that women feel safe and secure. Such serious and sensitive issues must be addressed fully 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.”