Bengal Assembly Passes Anti-Rape Bill Proposing Capital Punishment for Rapists | LIVE

Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee tabled ‘Aprajita’ Anti-Rape Bill in the Bengal Assembly proposinf capital punishment for rapists in the state; this bill has now been passed unanimously by the West Bengal Assembly. The draft legislation 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, it stipulates a life sentence without parole for those convicted of rape. Titled the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024,' the legislation aims to strengthen protections for women and children by revising and introducing new provisions related to rape and sexual offences.

For the unversed, a trainee doctors was allegedly raped and murdered inside the state-run RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata while she was on night duty. The incident that raised concerns over women safety even at workplaces created massive uproar across the country with several doctors' body taking to streets, seeking justice. Initially, the case was being probed by the Kolkata police. Later, several lapses in the probe by Kolkata police, prompting the CBI to take over the case. Soon after, the apex court took suo motu cognisance of the case and pulled up the Kolkata Police and West Bengal govt for botched up probe.

Subsequently, police arrested Sanjoy Roy, he prime accused in the case. Roy is currently held at the Presidency Correctional Home, in Kolkata.

Here are the latest updates related to the case:

• West Bengal Assembly Unanimously Passes Anti-Rape Bill 

• CM Mamata Banerjee Tables Anti-Rape Bill in Assembly

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday introduced anti-rape bill in the wake of Kolkata murder-rape case. While introducing the bill, Banerjee said, "...This bill will ensure that the harshest punishment is given for cases of harassment and rape of women. In this, the provisions of the POCSO Act have been further tightened... Death penalty has been provided for rapists if their acts result in the death of the victim or they suffer severe brain damage... Under this, Aparajita Task Force will be formed, in which punishment will be given within 21 days of the preliminary report... I have already told the Health Secretary that the routes on which nurses and female doctors travel should be covered, for this, I have sanctioned Rs 120 crores. CCTV cameras will be installed everywhere, where there is no toilet, it will be arranged... 

• Ex-Additional SGI Pinky Anand Seeks Adoption of Sexual Assault Evidence Kits in Letter to CJI Chandrachud
  Former Additional Solicitor General (ASG)  and Senior Advocate Pinky Anand has written to Chief Justice DY Chandrachud suggesting the adoption of Sexual Assault Evidence Kits and the appointment of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners to facilitate swift action in cases of crimes against women. In her letter, Anand has shared several recommendations for consideration, noting that these suggestions are not exhaustive. She has also offered to provide additional information or literature on these recommendations if needed.
• CBI Needs to Give Update on Case: TMC leader Kunal Ghosh

On Sandip Ghosh's arrest, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said, "We have no comment on his arrest. The CBI should give an update on the actual matter of rape & murder. When justice is delayed, it is denied. Some pained people are protesting, and some political parties are carrying out a misinformation/fake news campaign. CBI needs to give an update on the case..."

• Agitating Doctors Demand Kolkata CP's resignation

The protesting doctors are demanding resignation of police commissioner Vineet Goyal. A junior doctor said "We will keep sitting here until the Commissioner of Police comes here and tenders his resignation. Our protest will continue until we get to meet the Commissioner of Police..."

• Rg Kar Financial Irregularities: Chakraborty Arrives at CBI Office to Submit Documents

Dr Sukanta Chakraborty, representing joint platform of doctors, arrives at the CBI anti-corruption branch office in Kolkata to submit documents to CBI related to alleged financial irregularities in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. 

• Uproar Continues Over Kolkata Horror, Doctors Stage Protest

Junior Doctors continue to sit at the protest site in the Lalbazar area. They have been demanding justice for a woman doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who is currently investigating the matter has arrested Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the RG Kar Hospital. Along with Ghosh, three other people have been also arrested in connection with the financial irregularities case which include the ex-principal's bodyguard. The alleged financial irregularities at the RG Kar Hospital were exposed during the investigation of the Abhaya Rape and Murder Case. 

Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Hospital who was at the centre of a storm following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor was arrested by the anti-corruption branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday in connection with alleged financial irregularities in the medical establishment during his tenure. Ghosh was questioned for the 15th day at the agency's Salt Lake office over the alleged rape and murder of the RG Kar hospital post-graduate trainee on August 9.