Chouhan Criticizes West Bengal's Anti-Rape Bill as Diversionary Tactic

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticized the anti-rape bill passed by the West Bengal assembly, calling it a diversion from existing sexual abuse cases. Chouhan questioned whether the main accused in the Sandeshkhali case would receive the death penalty. He also accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of insensitivity towards women.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday criticized the anti-rape bill recently passed by the West Bengal assembly, describing it as a 'diversionary tactic' aimed at shifting focus from ongoing sexual abuse cases. Chouhan questioned if Shahjahan Sheikh, the main accused in the Sandeshkhali case, would receive the death penalty under the new law.

Speaking to reporters, Chouhan, who is also a senior BJP leader and the Union agriculture minister, accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of insensitivity towards women. 'Didi (Banerjee) enacted the law under pressure. This is a distraction from the R G Kar hospital rape-murder incident,' he said.

Chouhan pointed out that a similar law was enacted in BJP-governed Madhya Pradesh in 2017, resulting in 42 death sentences. He demanded clarity from Banerjee on whether the new bill would apply to high-profile cases, accusing her government of using this legislation for political gain.

(With inputs from agencies.)