Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday called for legislation to ensure convictions in sexual assault cases “within 50 days”. His comments come in the wake of nationwide outrage over the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Abhishek Banerjee highlighted the alarming frequency of these crimes, noting that in the past 10 days alone, there have been 900 reported rape cases across India.
“Over the past 10 days, while the nation has been protesting against the #RGKarMedicalCollege incident and demanding justice, 900 rapes have occurred across different parts of India – during the very time when people were on the streets protesting against this horrible crime,” he posted on X.
Over the past 10 days, while the nation has been protesting against the #RGKarMedicalcollege incident and demanding justice, 900 RAPES have occurred across different parts of India – DURING THE VERY TIME WHEN PEOPLE WERE ON THE STREETS PROTESTING AGAINST THIS HORRIBLE CRIME.…— Abhishek Banerjee (@abhishekaitc) August 22, 2024
He emphasised the need for urgent and decisive action, stating, “With 90 rapes reported daily, 4 every hour and 1 every 15 minutes – the urgency for a decisive action is clear. We need strong laws that mandate trials & convictions within 50 days, followed by the severest punishments, not just empty promises.”
Abhishek Banerjee also called on state governments to push the central government for comprehensive anti-rape legislation.
“State governments must act and urgently push the Union for a comprehensive anti-rape law that ensures swift and strict justice. Anything less is merely symbolic and tragically ineffective. WAKE UP INDIA!!” he asserted.
Abhishek Banerjee’s Silence Makes Noise
Ironically, Abhishek Banerjee’s remarks come amid significant backlash against the TMC-led Bengal government’s handling of the doctor rape-murder case. At the same time, speculation about a rift between him and his aunt, Mamata Banerjee, has been growing.
News18 earlier reported, citing TMC sources, tensions within the party, particularly regarding performance issues following the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Sources noted that Abhishek Banerjee had previously suggested removing non-performers from the party or administration.
Sources further added that although has been vocal in Parliament and his own constituency, but not inside the party. There has always been a difference of opinion between a section of seniors and junior
Notably, Abhishek Banerjee was also recently absent from a rally led by Mamata, where she called for capital punishment for the accused in the rape-murder case.
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