West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee penned a second letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday amid furore over the rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor. The CM noted that her previous missive had failed to evoke a suitable response and reiterated calls for “stringent central legislation on incidents of rape”. Meanwhile the BJP dubbed Banerjee a ‘liar’ and claimed that the Bengal government had failed to set up any fast track courts to address rape and POCSO cases.
“No reply was received from your end on such a sensitive issue. However, a reply has been received from the Minister of Women and Child Development which barely addresses the gravity of the issue raised in my letter. I am of the view that the seriousness of the subject and its relevance to society have not been adequately appreciated in this generic reply,” the CM asserted.
“Mamata Banerjee is a liar. Annapurna Devi — Union Minister of Women and Child Development — responded to West Bengal Chief Minister on August 25. In her letter, in point 4, she specifically mentions West Bengal Govt NOT setting up even a single Fast Track Court for addressing rape and POCSO related cases,” alleged BJP leader Amit Malviya.
“The government led by @narendramodi is committed to the safety and protection of women and children in our country. Under Modi Ji's leadership, significant reforms have been introduced through the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. However, if a state is determined to protect criminals, it undermines the justice system. Writing letters to the Prime Minister to mislead the people of Bengal is not enough to bring justice to the victims. The state administration must act with honesty and integrity in such situations to ensure justice is served,” added BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh.
(With inputs from agencies)
