New Delhi: The ongoing political battle over the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata has taken a new turn with Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi directly challenging West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s claims regarding the state’s efforts to combat crimes against women.
Banerjee’s second letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for a stricter law and swift justice in such cases, has been met with scepticism and accusations of hypocrisy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The saffron party has questioned Banerjee’s inaction in implementing existing laws and regulations to protect women in West Bengal, highlighting the pendency of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in the state.
In her response, Devi has pointed out inconsistencies in Banerjee’s claims about the number of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) operational in West Bengal, calling the information “factually incorrect” and hinting at a cover-up by the state government.
“With regard to the information contained in your letter about the status of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) and exclusive POCSO courts in West Bengal, I may mention that according to information received from the Calcutta High Court, West Bengal has established 88 Fast Track Courts (FTCs), which are not the same as the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) covered under the Central Government Scheme…” Devi said in her response to Mamata’s second letter.
“… ln spite of pendency of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in West Bengal, the state has not operationalised additional 11 FTSCs which may be exclusive POCSO courts or combined FTSCs dealing with both rape and POCSO cases, as per the state’s requirement. As may be seen, the information contained in your letter in this regard is factually incorrect and appears to be a step in the direction to cover up the delays in operationalizing the FTSCs by the state,” She said.
Further, Devi has clarified that the FTSC scheme guidelines require dedicated judicial officers and staff, refuting Banerjee’s demand for permanent judicial officers to be assigned to these courts. “… I may inform you that the scheme guidelines clearly provide for one judicial officer and seven staff to work exclusively for disposal of Rape and POCSO Act cases. Hence, additional charge of FTSCs cannot be given to any permanent judicial officer or court staff. This position was clarified earlier to the state of West Bengal…”
The BJP, echoing the Union Minister’s sentiments, has demanded answers from Banerjee, accusing her of political manoeuvring and ignoring the real issues. “Stop writing letters. Answer the questions. You are accountable,” BJP West Bengal co-incharge and IT head, Amit Malviya has demanded, putting the onus on Banerjee to address the allegations and take concrete action to improve women’s safety in her state.
“It is incumbent on Mamata Banerjee to explain why the West Bengal government hasn’t done anything for implementing the stringent rules and regulations, which exist for protecting women and girls,” Malviya wrote on X.
Mamata Banerjee is a LIAR.
Smt Annapurna Devi, Union Minister of Women and Child Development, responded to West Bengal Chief Minister on 25th Aug 2024.
In her letter, in point 4, she specifically mentions West Bengal Govt NOT setting up even a single Fast Track Court for… https://t.co/mtNgQNLlnx pic.twitter.com/bu2Tf9Ptm2
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 30, 2024
The incident has sparked a nationwide outcry for stronger measures to ensure women’s safety, with medical professionals calling for fundamental reforms to address the systemic issues that contribute to such horrific crimes.
As the investigation into the doctor’s rape and murder continues, the political battle surrounding the case has become a focal point for the BJP to target the TMC government and further highlight what they claim are its failures in addressing critical issues.