‘900 rapes in past 10 days’: TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee calls for decisive action

Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Abhishek Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress leader, reacting to the alarming number of reported recent rape cases across the country over the past ten days, pointed out that ‘a lasting solution still remains largely undiscussed.’
While massive protests were being staged in connection with the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, as many as 900 rape incidents were reported from different parts of the country.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the TMC leader on Thursday said, “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.”
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.…
His post further reads, “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.”
He appealed to state governments to promptly respond and pressurise the Union for a comprehensive anti-rape law. Abhishek Banerjee suggested that this law must ensure swift and strict justice. He added, “Anything less is merely symbolic and tragically ineffective.”
The Lok Sabha MP from West Bengal’s Diamond Harbour constituency had earlier criticised the ‘hooliganism and vandalism’ at State-run RG Kar Hospital and College. Charging at the mob responsible for violence after the rape-murder incident, he urged the authorities to identify the culprits regardless of their political affiliations and charge them under applicable laws.
The Supreme Court on Thursday asked protesting doctors over the matter to resume work and assured them that no adverse action would be taken once they rejoin. Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the apex court constituted a National Task Force to recommend guidelines to ensure the safety of medical professionals.