"90 cases of rape occur daily ...": Mamata Banerjee Urges PM Modi for Stricter Rape Laws Amid Nationwide Protests over RG Kar Rape and Murder

In the wake of nationwide protests over the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old PGT doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement stricter central legislation to combat the rising number of rape cases across the country that shake “confidence and conscience of the society”. In a letter addressed to PM Modi, Banerjee highlighted the troubling trend of increasing sexual violence, including instances where rape is accompanied by murder.

“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. According to the available data, it is horrifying to see that almost 90 cases of rape 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,” wrote the West Bengal Chief Minister, citing alarming statistics, noting that nearly 90 rape cases occur on a daily basis in India.

The Chief Minister proposed that the central government enact stringent legislation with severe punishments for those convicted of rape. She also recommended the establishment of Fast Track Special Courts to ensure that trials are conducted swiftly, ideally within 15 days. “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,” Banerjee stated in her letter.

Following the gruesome rape and murder of a 31-year-old PGT student at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the West Bengal government faced significant criticism. The Opposition and protesting students accused the administration of handling the case with negligence. However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee demanded capital punishment for the accused, Sanjay Rai, who is currently in CBI custody. Accompanied by female leaders from the Trinamool Congress, Banerjee organized a rally in Kolkata advocating for severe punishment. "We want a proper and thorough investigation and stringent punishment for the culprits…I am clearly saying that an exemplary punishment has to be made,” she stated. In addition to addressing the immediate case, the West Bengal government has introduced a new initiative named ‘Rattirer Sathi.’ This flagship program aims to enhance the safety and security of women working night shifts.​