"900 Rapes in 10 Days...": TMC Abhishek Banerjee Calls for Urgent Legal Reforms to Combat the "Horrible Crime" of Rape

Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday expressed deep concern over the surge in rape cases reported across India in the past ten days. His remarks come amidst widespread national outrage and protests over the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old PGT doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

The Diamond Harbour MP questioned the effectiveness of current measures to address sexual violence. He pointed out that, despite the ongoing protests against the Kolkata incident, 900 rape cases have been reported nationwide in the same period. “Over the past 10 days, while the nation has been protesting against the #RGKarMedicalcollege incident and demanding justice, 900 RAPES have occurred across different parts of India—DURING THE VERY TIME WHEN PEOPLE WERE ON THE STREETS PROTESTING AGAINST THIS HORRIBLE CRIME," posted Banerjee.

“With 90 RAPES REPORTED DAILY, 4 EVERY HOUR AND 1 EVERY 15 MINUTES - the urgency for a decisive action is clear. We need strong laws that mandate TRIALS & CONVICTIONS WITHIN 50 days, followed by the severest punishments, not just empty promises," the Diamond Harbour MP added.

Banerjee called on state governments to press for a robust anti-rape law at the national level, asserting that such a law must ensure prompt and severe justice. He warned, “Anything less is merely symbolic and tragically ineffective."

Earlier, Banerjee had condemned the vandalism and violence at RG Kar Hospital following the rape-murder incident. He urged authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence, regardless of their political connections.

In response to ongoing protests by medical professionals, the Supreme Court has requested them to return to work, assuring that no adverse actions will be taken against them. The Court has also set up a National Task Force to recommend measures to improve the safety of medical professionals.​