Mamata Banerjee writes to PM Modi again; seeks stringent Central legislation in rape, murder cases

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee urges PM Modi for strict laws on rape, murder; WCD Minister criticizes State's response.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday (August 30, 2024) wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reiterating her request for stringent Central legislation and exemplary punishment on heinous crimes such as rape and murder.

Ms. Banerjee, who wrote to Mr. Modi a few days ago on the issue following nationwide uproar over the rape and murder of a doctor at R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9, sought mandatory provision for time-bound disposal of cases of rape/rape and murder.

Ms. Banerjee had on Wednesday (August 28, 2024) said an amendment to existing laws will be passed in the State Assembly next week to ensure capital punishment to convicted rapists.

Stating that she is yet to receive a reply from the PM on the issue flagged by her, Ms. Banerjee wrote that she has, however, received a communication from the Union Women and Child Development Minister.

Maintaining that the letter by the WCD Minister "barely attends the gravity of the issue" raised by her, Ms. Banerjee wrote, "The seriousness of the subject and its relevance to the society have not been adequately appreciated while sending out this generic reply."

The CM wrote that 10 exclusive POCSO (Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences Act) courts have been approved by the State Government. She further mentioned that 88 fast-track special courts and 62 POCSO-designated courts are already functioning in West Bengal on State funding.

Ms. Banerjee wrote that helpline numbers 112 and 1098 are functioning in the State and additionally, Dial-100 is extensively used in emergency situations.