Mamata Urges National Action and Fast-Track Courts for Rape Cases

In the wake of widespread anger following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for stronger national measures against such crimes.

Mamata Banerjee wrote a letter to Prime Minister Modi, highlighting the urgent need for central legislation to address the rising number of rape cases across India, many of which end in murder. She emphasized that these "sensitive" issues require comprehensive solutions with stringent laws and exemplary punishments for perpetrators.

To ensure swift justice, Banerjee proposed the establishment of fast-track special courts dedicated to handling rape cases. She suggested that trials in such cases should ideally be completed within 15 days to provide timely justice to the victims and their families. "It is horrifying to see that almost 90 rape cases occur daily across the country. "This undermines the trust and moral fabric of both society and the nation," she expressed in her letter.

However, Banerjee's call for action has faced criticism from opposition leaders, notably BJP's Anil K Antony, who has demanded her resignation. Antony contended that despite West Bengal being led by a woman Chief Minister, the state records one of the highest numbers of crimes against women. He accused the state police of tampering with evidence and failing to protect women, referencing incidents in Sandeshkhali and Kolkata.

The tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College on August 9, where a postgraduate trainee was raped and murdered while on duty, has sparked nationwide protests and strikes by the medical community. These events underscore the urgent need for effective measures to ensure the safety and security of women across India.

Mamata Banerjee concluded her appeal by stressing that it is everyone's responsibility to put an end to these crimes, ensuring that women feel safe and secure in society.