West Bengal is in uproar over the rape and murder of a female doctor at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. Pressure is mounting on the ruling Trinamool Congress to ensure swift and exemplary punishment for rape. In such a situation, the state government passed a new law on rape in the assembly.
On Tuesday, the West Bengal Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a bill providing for the death penalty as punishment for rape. The new anti-rape provision is called ‘The Aparajita Women and Child Bill 2024’ (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment Bill 2024).
It is reported that West Bengal is the first state in India to amend the Central Act against rape, gang rape and child sexual abuse. The Indian Penal Code already prescribes severe punishment for cases of rape and violence against women. But that punishment is more severe in the Aparajita Bill.
Indian media sources say the bill will now be sent to Governor CV Anand Bose for approval. It will be sent to the President of India Draupadi Murmu after he gives his approval. If approved by the President, it will become law.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said after the Aparajita Bill was passed in the Assembly, Mamata said, “We have tried to close the loopholes in the central law through this bill.” Rape is a curse against humanity. Social reforms are needed to prevent such crimes.’
On August 9 last month, the entire city erupted in protests after the rape and murder of a student doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Gradually this movement spread to different parts of India. The incident of rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital has now turned into a demand for the Chief Minister’s resignation. This demand of Kolkata students is getting stronger every day.