Union Minister Calls for Swift Action on Rape Cases in West Bengal

Union Minister Annapurna Devi has urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to expedite the implementation and functioning of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for handling rape and POCSO cases amid a significant backlog. Devi expressed concerns over the state's existing Fast Track Courts and the inaccurate information provided by the state regarding these courts.

Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, has once again urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to expedite the establishment and operationalisation of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs). These courts are specifically designed to handle cases of rape and those under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

In a letter dated August 30, Devi highlighted concerns over the state's existing Fast Track Courts (FTCs) and called for swift actions to deliver justice efficiently. She referenced a previous letter where she emphasized the necessity of stringent laws and exemplary punishments for heinous crimes like rape and murder.

Devi pointed out that West Bengal has 88 FTCs handling a broad range of cases, unlike the FTSCs mandated by the Central Government. She noted the alarming backlog in the state's justice system, with over 81,000 pending cases in FTCs and a significant delay in operationalizing an additional 11 FTSCs. The union minister also criticized the state for providing inaccurate information regarding these courts and highlighted staffing issues in FTSCs.

(With inputs from agencies.)