Kiren Rijiju criticizes Mamata for neglecting her duty on Aparajita anti-rape bill.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju recently called out West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for neglecting crimes against women in the state.

Amidst the debate surrounding the anti-rape bill in Bengal, Rijiju penned a letter dated November 11, 2021, urging the West Bengal government to establish Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for handling rape cases and those under the POCSO Act.

Also Read: Anti-rape Bill passed unanimously in Bengal Assembly. ‘Oppn should ensure Governor signs it,’ says CM Mamata Banerjee

In a social media post, Rijiju expressed his disappointment, stating, “I feel sad that the Chief Minister of West Bengal has ignored her most sacred duty of providing quick justice for women and children. This letter from 2021 clearly shows it. In 2018, Parliament passed a stringent law to deal with heinous crimes like rape. State governments must act!”

What did the letter say?

The letter highlighted, “As per information available, there are 28559 rape and POSCO Act cases pending in the State of West Bengal as of May 2021. The need for early operationalization and robust functioning of earmarked FTSCs and ePOSCO courts is crucial for the safety and security of women and children.”

The letter further mentioned, “123 FTSCs including 20 ePOSCO Courts were earmarked for the State of West Bengal based on case-load. The consent of the State government is, however, still awaited for the setting up of these FTSCs and ePOSCO courts.”

Also Read: Mamata Banerjee cites Hathras, Unnao in speech on anti-rape bill: ‘What if I raise slogans against PM Modi, Amit Shah…’

In another post, Rjiju emphasized, “This is an extremely serious matter. Please don’t make it a political issue. Strong laws are necessary, but actions speak louder. Despite widespread media coverage when the letter was initially sent, the West Bengal government failed to act!”

The Union minister underscored that in 2018, Parliament passed a stringent law to address serious crimes like rape, including provisions for establishing Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) to expedite the trial and resolution of pending rape and POCSO Act cases. He alleged that despite multiple communications in 2019, 2020, and 2021, the Trinamool Congress government did not consent to implement this centrally sponsored scheme under the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018.

Also Read: Can Bengal’s Aparajita anti-rape bill override Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and impose capital punishment for rapists?

Suvendu Adhikari echoed Rijiju’s sentiments by stating, “Even after pursuing the matter directly with the Chief Minister of West Bengal herself, she ignored the issue which was crucial for ensuring quick Justice for Women & Children.”

Adhikari added, “CM Mamata Banerjee it’s time to Walk the Talk, everyone knows that whatever you are saying or doing now is mere eyewash.”

In December 2017, Madhya Pradesh became the first state in India to enact a law stipulating that individuals convicted of raping girls aged 12 or younger could face the death penalty by hanging.

Also Read: Bengal’s anti-rape bill awaits President’s nod: Will it face the same fate as Maharashtra Shakti Bill, Andhra Disha Bill?

The West Bengal Assembly unanimously passed the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024’ on Tuesday.

This development follows the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor last month at the RG Kar Medical Centre and Hospital on August 9.

Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her support for the West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment Bill 2024, emphasizing the bill’s intent to uphold women’s dignity and cautioning against mistreatment of Bengal.

(With inputs from agencies)