West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote another letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday in connection with the case of trainee doctor’s rape and murder in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and reiterated her earlier demand for a strict punishment for the culprit.
Sharing the letter on her X handle, the Chief Minister wrote, “No reply was received from your end on such a sensitive issue. However, a reply has been received from the Minister of Women and Child Development, Government of India , which barely attends the gravity of the issue raised in my letter.”
I have written this letter to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in connection with an earlier letter of mine to him. This is a second letter in that reference. pic.twitter.com/5GXKaX6EOZ— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 30, 2024
In the letter she also mentioned the steps and initiatives taken by the state government to address the cases of heinous crime or rape. She said that 10 exclusive POCSO Courts have been approved by the State Government in addition to 88 FTSCs and 62 POCSO designated Courts, that are functioning throughout West Bengal.
“Regarding Fast Track Special Courts (FJSCs), 10 exclusive POCSO Courts have been approved by the State Government, In addition to this, 88 FTSCs and 62 POCSO designated Courts are functioning throughout the State on complete State funding. Monitoring and disposal of cases is completely in the hands of the Courts,” the she said in the letter.
“As per Central Government guidelines, only retired Judicial Officers can be posted as Presiding Officers in FTSCs but Hon’ble High Court has observed that in view of the severity of the cases, permanent Judicial Officers need to be posted. This requires examination at the level of Government of India and suitable action thereafter, for which your intervention would be necessary,” the letter added.
Banerjee further urged to consider a stringent Central legislation and exemplary punishment on heinous crimes of rape/rape and murder.
“I would reiterate and earnestly request to kindly consider a stringent Central legislation and exemplary punishment on heinous crimes of rape/rape and murder with mandatory provision for disposal of cases in a specific time-frame by the trial authorities. I hope this matter would receive a very considered attention at your kind end in the interest of our society at large,” she added.
BJP hits out at Mamata
Reacting to Banerjee’s letter to the PM, BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya said that Bengal chief minister is a liar as union minister of Women and Child Development in her response to Banerjee’s earlier letter mentioned that the state govt has not set up up even a single fast track court for addressing rape and POCSO related cases.
In a post on X, Malviya said, “Mamata Banerjee is a LIAR. Smt Annapurna Devi, Union Minister of Women and Child Development, responded to West Bengal Chief Minister on 25th Aug 2024. In her letter, in point 4, she specifically mentions West Bengal Govt NOT setting up even a single Fast Track Court for addressing rape and POCSO related cases”.
Mamata Banerjee is a LIAR.Smt Annapurna Devi, Union Minister of Women and Child Development, responded to West Bengal Chief Minister on 25th Aug 2024.
In her letter, in point 4, she specifically mentions West Bengal Govt NOT setting up even a single Fast Track Court for… https://t.co/mtNgQNLlnx pic.twitter.com/bu2Tf9Ptm2
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 30, 2024
“It is incumbent on Mamata Banerjee to explain why West Bengal Govt hasn’t done anything for implementing the stringent rules and regulations, which exist for protecting women and girl,” he added.
Stop writing letters. ANSWER the questions. You are ACCOUNTABLE.
Banerjee’s earlier letter to PM Modi
The Bengal chief minister had earlier written a letter to the prime minister where she had sought sought strict punishment for the culprit within 15 days. Respected Prime Minister, 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. Setting up of Fast Track Special Courts for speedy trial 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,” she had said.
Union minister’s reply
WCD Minister Annapurna Devi had on Wednesday said the situation of women in West Bengal has been “deteriorating” and slammed the Mamata Banerjee government for failing to implement central schemes such as fast-track courts and emergency helplines to deal with crimes against women.
Devi claimed that the fast-track special courts (FTSCs), which were allocated to West Bengal, are yet to become operational in the state.
The WCD minister also said that the state “failed” to implement key emergency helplines — the Women Helpline (WHL), Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) and Child Helpline.
WHAT’S THE CASE?
The case pertains to the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 while she was taking rest after completing her shift. The prime accused, Sanjay Roy was arrested a day after.
Amid the ongoing protests, some miscreants entered the premises of state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 14 and vandalised portions of the medical facility, where the body of the victim was found. The Calcutta High Court on August 13 had an order to transfer the probe from Kolkata Police to the CBI.
The Kolkata case has shaken the country, brought the functioning of RG Kar hospital under scrutiny, led to the ouster of its principal, and triggered massive protests by the medical fraternity’s students and civil society.