The Union Women and Child Development Minister, Annapurna Devi, has responded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s second letter requesting stricter laws and expedited justice for heinous crimes like rape and murder. In her letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Banerjee called for a mandatory time-bound disposal of such cases. This call for action came amid the ongoing CBI investigation into the rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Minister Devi’s response highlighted discrepancies in Banerjee’s claims regarding the establishment of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) in West Bengal. Devi pointed out that while the state has 88 Fast Track Courts (FTCs), which are different from FTSCs under the central scheme, West Bengal has yet to operationalize an additional 11 FTSCs despite a backlog of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases. Devi accused Banerjee of presenting incorrect information and attempting to cover up delays in the implementation of FTSCs.
The BJP has criticized Banerjee, questioning her commitment to enforcing existing regulations designed to protect women. Amit Malviya, the BJP co-incharge for West Bengal, demanded an explanation from Banerjee for not ensuring strict implementation of these rules, calling her letters a mere distraction.
Regarding Banerjee’s request for permanent judicial officers in FTSCs instead of retired ones, Devi stated that the scheme guidelines specify a different arrangement, with one judicial officer and seven staff dedicated to handling rape and POCSO cases. Devi clarified that permanent officers could not be assigned additional charges related to FTSCs as per the guidelines.
The rape and murder case of the junior doctor has caused nationwide outrage, with calls for reforms to ensure safety and dignity in workplaces. The Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP of politicizing the tragedy, while the BJP has countered with allegations of corruption within the medical college. The former principal of the college, Sandip Ghosh, is under investigation, and the CBI has arrested Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, who was seen near the scene of the crime.
