Abhishek Banerjee Calls for Swift Justice Bill for Rapists and Murderers

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee urges the Centre to introduce a Bill to fast-track trials and convictions of rapists and murderers within a week. He criticises BJP leaders for protests and calls for reforms in the justice system to ensure swift justice. BJP's Sukanta Majumdar counters Banerjee's remarks.

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee urged the Centre on Saturday to introduce a Bill in Parliament that would expedite the trial and conviction of rapists and murderers within a week, ensuring they receive exemplary punishment. His comments followed an administrative meeting at Amtala in his Diamond Harbour constituency.

Speaking to reporters, Banerjee criticised BJP leaders for protesting on the streets following the brutal sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in a state-run hospital. He urged them instead to press the Centre to pass a Bill for swift justice. Banerjee assured that the Trinamool Congress, as the opposition at the Centre, would support such a Bill, likely garnering backing from other parties.

Banerjee called for reforms in the justice system, emphasising that prolonged trials in rape and murder cases should be prevented to save taxpayer money and ensure swift and fair trials. He commended the police for arresting a suspect within 24 hours and called for stricter security measures in hospitals. In response, BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar accused Banerjee of deflecting attention from the state's failure to ensure women's safety in hospitals.

(With inputs from agencies.)