Chouhan Criticizes Timing of West Bengal’s New Anti-Rape Bill Amid RG Kar Incident

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has questioned the timing of West Bengal's new anti-rape bill, suggesting it aims to divert attention from the RG Kar Medical College incident. Chouhan highlighted Madhya Pradesh's early legislative action in 2017 and accused the Mamata Banerjee government of insensitivity.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently raised questions about the timing of West Bengal's introduction of a new anti-rape bill, hinting it might serve to divert public attention from the RG Kar Medical College controversy. Chouhan, mentioning Madhya Pradesh's early adoption of similar legislation in 2017, leveled accusations of insensitivity against the Mamata Banerjee administration while addressing the media on Tuesday.

In December 2017, Madhya Pradesh became the first Indian state to enact a law that allows for the death penalty by hanging for those convicted of raping girls aged 12 or younger. "Mamata Banerjee has become insensitive. Madhya Pradesh was the pioneer in implementing such a law in 2017, and we have already sentenced 42 people to death under it. This bill appears to be a distraction from the heinous crime at RG Kar Medical College," Chouhan stated.

"Why didn't the Mamata government introduce the bill earlier? Those responsible for the RG Kar incident should face the death penalty," he added. Chouhan also questioned whether individuals like Sheikh Shahjahan, accused of sexual harassment in Sandeshkhali, would also be subject to this new bill.

"Will people like Sheikh Shahjahan also receive the death penalty under this bill," he queried. The West Bengal Assembly unanimously passed the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024' on Tuesday.

The bill's passage comes in the wake of the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor last month at the RG Kar Medical Centre on August 9. Earlier today, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee voiced her support for the bill, asserting it aims to secure the dignity of women and warning of a ripple effect if Bengal is mistreated.

CM Mamata Banerjee said, "I had written two letters to the Prime Minister but received no reply; instead, the Minister of Women and Child Development responded. I informed the Prime Minister. When the Code of Justice Bill was hurriedly passed before the elections, I objected, saying it should not be done without consulting the states. Despite opposition, it was passed without proper discussions. Hence, we are introducing this bill to protect women. If Bengal is mistreated, it will have a spillover effect."

(With inputs from agencies.)