In the wake of the rape-murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, West Bengal government tabled the anti-rape Bill on Tuesday during a two-day special session of the Bengal Assembly and passed it.

Amid demands of the Bengal Chief Minister’s resignation by the opposition, Mamata Banerjee addressed the House and hailed the new anti-rape Bill as “model” and “historic”. She also said that a special unit of the state police — ‘Aparajita Task Force’– will be set up once the Bill becomes a law.

Titled the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024,’ the legislation seeks capital punishment for persons convicted of rape if their actions result in the victim’s death or leave her in a vegetative state. Additionally, it stipulates a life sentence without parole for those convicted of rape and gang rape.

Also Read: Mamata Banerjee government tables anti-rape Bill in state Assembly

Mamata’s dig at BJP-ruled states

While speaking about the bill, Mamata Banerjee asked Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari to urge state Governor CV Ananda Bose to grant his assent to the bill.

“Through this bill, we have tried to plug the loopholes that exist in the central legislation. Rape is a curse against humanity, social reforms are required to stop such crimes,” the West Bengal Chief Minister said.

During a discussion of the Bill, Mamata Banerjee addressed the House and said, “Crime rates against women in states like UP, Gujarat are abnormally high. While tortured women in West Bengal are getting justice in court. West Bengal was not consulted before passing BNS, we wanted discussions on it after the new government formation. Rape is a now a national shame. Let us come together for social reform which is needed to prevent rapes.”

She also highlighted Hathras and Unnao incidents, while speaking on crimes against women throughout the country.

During her address, Mamata was met with resignation demands from the Opposition. Countering these remarks, the CM said, “The anti-rape Bill aims at quick investigation, fast justice delivery and enhanced punishment. Prime minister and home minister failed to protect women in the country. I demand their resignation.”

BJP seeks amendments

Meanwhile, Suvendu Adhikari moved a motion seeking as many as seven amendments to the bill. “We want immediate implementation of this (Anti-rape) law, it is your (state government) responsibility. We want results, it is the government’s responsibility. We do not want any division, we fully support you, we will listen to the Chief Minister’s statement comfortably, she can say whatever she wants but you have to guarantee that this bill will be implemented immediately…,” Adhikari said.