Gujarat Minister Criticizes Bengal's Politics Over Trainee Doctor's Rape-Murder

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi denounces political maneuvering around the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata. He emphasizes the necessity of real action over mere legislative acts, highlighting the effectiveness of timely justice in Gujarat. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also advocates for swift enforcement of laws.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi criticized political exploitation surrounding the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Friday. Sanghavi told ANI that ensuring women's safety is crucial, especially in a state led by a female Chief Minister.

'Providing safety to women and girls is our duty, especially when there is a female CM; everyone expects from her... The type of politics being done (in Bengal in the RG Kar Medical College & Hospital rape-murder case) is not acceptable,' Sanghavi stated. He emphasized action over legislative measures, particularly concerning the new anti-rape law, 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024,' passed on September 3.

'Act is not important; action is important... This is very sad that, being a woman, you (Mamata Banerjee) are not able to understand the pain of other women,' Sanghavi added. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also urged West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to prioritize actions over words in a post on X, emphasizing the significance of timely and fair enforcement of laws like the POCSO Act.

Addressing Banerjee, Patel wrote, 'Mamta Didi, we need actions, not just words. The POCSO Act and other laws for women's safety are robust, but their impact depends on swift and fair action by local police. From investigation to conviction, timely justice is crucial.' The West Bengal assembly passed the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill, 2024, unanimously on Tuesday following the rape and murder case, calling it 'historic,' while the Bharatiya Janata Party labeled it 'dramabaazi.' Sanghavi cited Gujarat's expedited justice system, mentioning cases with rapid sentencing, underlining the necessity for prompt justice in West Bengal as well.

(With inputs from agencies.)