West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, under fire for mishandling the Kolkata rape and murder case, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, asking for quick justice for rape victims. Noting that “it is horrifying to see that almost 90 cases of rape occur daily throughout the country,” the Bengal Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to ensure quick justice and that trials in rape cases should preferably be completed within 15 days.

On August 9, a 31-year-old trainee doctor’s body was found in the seminar hall of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Civic volunteer Sanjoy Roy was arrested as the prime accused in the rape and murder case on August 10. Soon after, massive protests led by junior doctors took over the country, demanding justice for the victim and her family, along with immediate action to ensure the safety of the medical staff.

Since then, a series of questions have been raised against the hospital administration, Kolkata police, and the state government for the several lapses in the horrifying case, which has now been handed to the CBI. The CBI stated that it could not present Roy in court for the polygraph test, which has now been postponed.

Several suspects, including the former principle of RG Kar, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, are being questioned by the CBI.

State CM Mamata Banerjee called for the death penalty of those behind the crime. However, opposition leaders, activists, and citizens have severely criticised Banerjee’s government for its “politicisation of rape” and its failures, including the police letting miscreants vandalise the hospital amid protests.

The parents of the victim have raised doubts on the same, citing the hurried cremation of the trainee doctor, the hospital administration informing them it was a suicide, and more. Meanwhile, the victim’s colleagues claimed that she was “deliberately targeted” for a possible drug racket in the victim’s department that she had been trying to expose.

Here’s Mamata Banerjee’s letter to Prime Minister Modi:

“Respected Prime Minister,

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.

According to the 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 the society and the nation. It is bounden duty for all of us to put an end to it so that the women feel safe and secure.

Such serious and sensitive issue needs to be addressed in -a comprehensive manner through stringent central legislation prescribing exemplary punishment against the persons involved in such dastardly crimes. 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.

With regards,

Mamata Banerjee”

I have written this letter today to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India: pic.twitter.com/pyVIiiV1mn

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 22, 2024