West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has once again reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the urgent need for central legislation and stringent punishments for heinous crimes like rape and rape-murder. This appeal comes in the wake of the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital on August 9.
In her second letter to the Prime Minister, Banerjee expressed disappointment over the lack of a substantive response to her previous correspondence dated August 22, 2024. Her earlier letter sought a stronger central legal framework to address such grave offenses and ensure timely disposal of cases. The response from the Minister of Women and Child Development, she noted, was inadequate and failed to address the issue’s severity.
Banerjee criticized the minister’s reply for not recognizing the state’s proactive measures, which include the establishment of 10 exclusive POCSO courts, 88 fast-track special courts (FTSCs), and 62 POCSO-designated courts—all funded entirely by the state government. She highlighted that the current guidelines mandate only retired judicial officers for FTSCs, but there is a pressing need for permanent judicial officers due to the gravity of these cases.
Additionally, Banerjee noted that West Bengal’s helplines, including 112, 1098, and Dial-100, are functioning effectively to address emergency situations.
The Chief Minister’s plea for enhanced legislation and expedited judicial processes comes against a backdrop of criticism directed at the West Bengal government from the BJP-led NDA administration. The central government has accused the state of failing to implement essential safety measures and establish the remaining fast-track courts, despite a significant backlog of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases. Union Minister Annapurna Devi has also highlighted the state’s shortcomings in implementing key emergency helplines.
Banerjee has urged the Prime Minister to give serious consideration to her request, emphasizing the need for decisive action to protect society from such heinous crimes and ensure justice for victims.
Sources By Agencies