900 Rapes Occurred Across India Amid Protests Against RG Kar Medical Incident: Abhishek Banerjee

Amid massive protests following the RG Kar Medical College incident, Abhishek Banerjee, National General Secretary of TMC, highlighted that 900 rapes had been reported across India during the same period and called for a comprehensive anti-rape law.

Banerjee emphasized that over the past 10 days, while the nation was protesting and demanding justice for the RG Kar Medical College victim, 900 rapes occurred across the country. He underscored the irony that such horrific crimes persisted even as people took to the streets, indicating that a lasting solution had yet to be discussed.

Citing alarming statistics, Banerjee noted that 90 rapes are reported daily, with four occurring every hour and one every 15 minutes, which underscores the urgent need for decisive action. He advocated for strong laws mandating trials and convictions within 50 days, followed by the severest punishments, rather than empty promises.

Banerjee also urged state governments to act swiftly and press the Union for a comprehensive anti-rape law that ensures swift and strict justice, asserting that anything less would be merely symbolic and tragically ineffective.

On August 9, a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata was brutally raped and murdered, with her body discovered on campus. The incident sparked nationwide outrage, leading to widespread protests and demands for a thorough investigation.

On August 13, the Calcutta High Court ordered the transfer of the investigation from the Kolkata Police to the CBI, which began its probe on August 14.

Terming the rape and murder at RG Kar Medical College as horrific, the Supreme Court criticized the West Bengal government for the delay in filing the FIR.

Taking suo motu cognizance of the case, the Supreme Court raised concerns about the systemic issues surrounding the safety of doctors across India.

A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud emphasized that if women cannot safely go to work, their right to equality is being compromised. The court questioned the West Bengal government on the delay in filing the FIR and inquired about the actions taken by hospital authorities in response to the incident.