BJP Supports Anti-Rape Bill Introduced by Mamata, Demands Immediate Actions

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday assured support to the Anti-rape bill that was presented in the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday by West Bengal Law Minister Moloy Ghatak following the Kolkata horror. The Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, BJP's Suvendu Adhikari said, "We want immediate implementation of this (Anti-rape) law, it is your (state government) responsibility."

Speaking in the West Bengal Assembly, the BJP leader said, "...We want immediate implementation of this (Anti-rape) law, it is your (state government) responsibility. We want results, it is the government's responsibility."

He further added that the saffron party wants no division in this matter and will support the CM if she guarantees that this bill will be implemented immediately.

"We do not want any division, we fully support you, we will listen to the Chief Minister's statement comfortably, she can say whatever she wants but you have to guarantee that this bill will be implemented immediately..." he added.

'Will Hand it Over to CBI on Monday': Mamata

Speaking on the Kolkata rape and murder case, Mamata while addressing leaders in the West Bengal Assembly said, "The lady doctor died on August 9... I spoke to the parents of the deceased on the same day the incident happened, before going to their house they were given all the audio, video, CCTV footage so that they know everything. I clearly told them to give me time till Sunday, if we are not able to arrest everyone by then then, I will hand it over to CBI on Monday..."

"The police caught the main accused in 12 hours, I told the police to go to the fast track court and apply for the death penalty but the case was handed over to CBI. Now we are demanding justice from CBI. We are demanding a death penalty from the beginning.," she added.

Bengal Govt Tables Anti-Rape Bill at State Assembly

West Bengal Law Minister Moloy Ghatak introduced the anti-rape Bill at the state Assembly special session. The proposed bill seeks capital punishment for persons convicted of rape if their actions result in the victim's death or leave her in a vegetative state. Additionally, the bill also stipulates a life sentence without parole for those convicted of rape and gang rape.

Titled the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024,' it aims to strengthen protections for women and children by revising and introducing new provisions related to rape and sexual offences.