We need strong laws, severest punishments, not empty promises: Abhishek Banerjee amid demand for justice in RG Kar case

Abhishek, who had earlier called for an "encounter" of murderers and rapists, 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.

"Sadly, a lasting solution still remains largely undiscussed. 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.

"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."

The trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered at the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which is located in North Kolkata's Belgachia area.

One person, a civic volunteer, has been arrested in connection with the case but protesting students as well as the victim's parents suspect more people are involved in the case.

The state government, which is run by the TMC, has come under fire for an alleged cover-up, reappointment of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital's ex-principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh to the same post at a new institution, renovation work near the crime scene.

In his initial reaction to the rape-murder, Abhishek had said, "Murderers and rapists must be encountered. Such a strict law must be passed in Parliament."

The TMC government further faced public ire after miscreants vandalised the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on the intervening night of August 14 and 15 when lakhs of women and men took to streets for night vigil demanding justice for the victim.

The Kolkata Police have been accused of remaining a mute spectator when the rampage went on for an hour.

Police said they had no intelligence input about the gathering of about 7,000 people.

Though West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Opposition of vandalising the hospital, Abhishek Banerjee was quick to post on X demanding action against the miscreants irrespective of political colours.

The TMC MP wrote on X, "The hooliganism and vandalism at RG Kar tonight have exceeded all acceptable limits. As a public representative, I just spoke with @CPKolkata, urging him to ensure that every individual responsible for today’s violence is identified, held accountable, and made to face the law within the next 24 hours, regardless of their political affiliations.

"The demands of the protesting doctors are fair and justified. This is the minimum they should expect from the government. Their safety and security must be prioritized."