Fast Track Courts, Trial In 15 Days”: Mamata Banerjee To PM Modi On Rape Cases

It is horrifying to see that almost 90 cases of rapes occur every day throughout the country, pointed out Mamata Banerjee, referencing data, in her letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Bengal Chief Minister underlined that this calls for a stringent central legislation, fast-track courts to ensure justice in rape cases.

The letter comes in the wake of a 31-year-old trainee doctor raped and murdered during a rest break at a Kolkata hospital on August 9. The subsequent handling of the case by the authorities had led to massive protests and strikes by doctors across the country. 

“Respected Prime Minister, 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 rapes 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,” Alapan Bandopadhyay, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister, read the letter at a press conference.

“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. Setting up of fast-track special courts for speedy trials in such cases should also be considered in the proposed legislation to ensure quick justice. Trial in such cases should preferably be completed within 15 days,” the letter added.