The Mamata Banerjee government is set to introduce a stringent anti-rape bill in the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday. The proposed legislation seeks to impose capital punishment for individuals convicted of rape if the crime results in the victim’s death or leaves her in a vegetative state. It also proposes life imprisonment without parole for those convicted of rape or gang rape.

Named the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024,’ the proposed bill aims to enhance protections for women and children by revising and introducing new provisions related to rape and sexual offences.

This special session of the Assembly was convened in response to the recent rape and murder of a woman medic at the state-run Kar Medical College and Hospital. The bill is scheduled to be tabled by state Law Minister Moloy Ghatak. However, the Bill will require President’s approval for implementation after its passed by the state assembly.

However, the leader of the opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, has criticised the government for calling the session without consulting opposition members, calling it a unilateral decision made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Meanwhile, protests continue in Kolkata, with doctors demonstrating against the mishandling of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case. Visuals from Lalbazar show people staging sit-ins, with police on standby. On Monday night, junior doctors continued their protest, demanding justice and criticising the Kolkata police.

BJP MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay visited the protest site, expressing solidarity with the protesters and calling for the Commissioner of Police to address their concerns. In a related development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, following a probe into alleged corruption and financial irregularities.

Doctors across different states have been holding protests, demanding justice for the victim and enhanced security for healthcare professionals.

(With agency inputs)