Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has made a compelling appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the implementation of stringent central legislation and the establishment of fast-track courts to address the alarming rise in rape cases across the country. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Banerjee highlighted that nearly 90 rape cases are reported daily in India, a statistic she described as “horrifying” and one that deeply impacts the nation’s conscience.
The letter was prompted by the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The incident has sparked widespread protests and strikes by doctors nationwide, with many criticizing the authorities’ handling of the case.
“Respected Prime Minister, I wish to bring to your kind attention the regular and increasing occurrence of rape cases throughout the country. According to available data, it is horrifying to see that almost 90 cases of rapes occur daily throughout the country. This shakes the confidence and conscience of society and the nation. It is our bounden duty to put an end to it so that women feel safe and secure,” the Chief Minister’s Chief Advisor, Alapan Bandopadhyay, read from the letter during a press conference.
Banerjee’s letter calls for comprehensive central legislation that would prescribe exemplary punishments for those involved in such heinous crimes. She also proposed the establishment of fast-track special courts to ensure swift justice, with trials in these cases ideally completed within 15 days.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has taken a strong stance on the matter, criticizing the Kolkata Police for their delay in registering the unnatural death of the woman doctor. The court described the situation as “extremely disturbing” and has directed both the Centre and state governments to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals across the country.
“We direct the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Health to engage with the Chief Secretaries of the states and Directors General of Police to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals,” the Supreme Court bench stated. The court also ordered that this exercise be completed within a week.
In response to the protests by doctors and medical students, the Calcutta High Court has transferred the investigation from the Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which commenced its probe on August 14. The state government has also transferred three top officials of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, a decision made in response to the demands of the protesting junior doctors.
The Bengal Health Department’s move and the ongoing legal proceedings underscore the urgent need for reforms to address both the rising incidence of rape and the safety of healthcare professionals in India.
