“The faster justice is delivered…”: PM Modi Calls for Faster Justice in Cases of Crimes Against Women Amidst Protests Over Kolkata Doctor Rape and Murder

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday emphasized on the need for swift justice in cases of crimes against women, stating that such measures would bolster their sense of safety. The Prime Minister’s remarks come in the midst of widespread outrage over the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old PGT doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. PM Modi underscored the importance of a robust redressal system during the inaugural session of a national conference for district judiciary, which was also attended by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.

“Today, atrocities against women and the safety of children are serious societal concerns… The faster justice is delivered in cases of atrocities against women, the greater assurance half of the population will have about their safety,” said the Prime Minister. He highlighted the need for enhanced coordination within the criminal justice system to ensure timely justice. The Prime Minister’s statement follows two letters sent to him by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, urging for a more stringent central legislation and exemplary punishment for severe crimes such as rape and murder.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sent a second letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, demanding central legislation for exemplary punishment in rape cases. This follows the horrific incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In her letter, dated August 29, Banerjee expressed disappointment that her initial letter, sent on August 22 regarding the serious issue of crimes against women, did not receive a direct response from Modi. “No reply was received from your end on such a sensitive issue,” Banerjee wrote. “However, a reply has been received from the Minister of Women and Child Development, Government of India, which barely attends to the gravity of the issue raised in my letter. I am of the thought that the seriousness of the subject and its relevance to the society have not been adequately appreciated while sending out the generic reply,” she added.

Outrage erupted across Kolkata and beyond following the brutal rape and murder of an on-duty PGT doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Protests, candlelight vigils, and rallies were held citywide as citizens demanded justice, safer working conditions for women, and stricter laws against violence. The police have arrested Sanjay Roy, a Kolkata Police civic volunteer, who was found near the crime scene with Bluetooth earphones and confessed to the crime. Roy admitted to strangling and sexually assaulting the doctor after a night of alcohol and visiting red-light areas. The case has been transferred to the CBI for a thorough investigation, following a Calcutta High Court order.​