Opposition Leader Accuses Mamata Government of Using Anti-Rape Bill as Diversion

Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, criticized the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal for allegedly using the anti-rape bill to divert attention from failures in preventing sexual crimes and the recent murder of a doctor. He demanded the immediate enactment of the bill, incorporating his recommended amendments.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday criticized the Mamata Banerjee government for allegedly using the anti-rape Bill as a diversion from public outrage over the recent murder of a doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital.

During a discussion on the bill, Adhikari expressed support for the measure but condemned the TMC government's failure to prevent incidents of rape and sexual abuse. He urged immediate enactment of the bill following its passage, with amendments he proposed to penalize police and health officials failing in their duties.

Adhikari cited media reports of sexual abuses across West Bengal and claimed that state agencies failed to arrest and punish culprits effectively. He also criticized the chief minister for not ensuring the safety of citizens.

Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay stated that certain references made by Adhikari would be expunged from the House records. The state government has said it will consult legal experts on the proposed amendments.

(With inputs from agencies.)