Annapurna Devi also slammed the West Bengal government for not operationalizing 11 additional Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) despite the pendency of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in the state.
“In the FTCs in West Bengal, a total of 81,141 cases were pending as on 30.06.2024,” the letter read.
“Inspite of pendency of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in West Bengal, the State has not operationalized additional 11 FTSCs which may be exclusive POCSO Courts or combined FTSCs dealing with both Rape and POCSO cases, as per the State’s requirement,” the letter added.
Devi also addressed the issue of appointing judicial officers to these courts. She mentioned that the guidelines for FTSCs clearly provide for the appointment of one judicial officer and seven staff members exclusively for the disposal of rape and POCSO Act cases. The letter noted that states have the option to engage retired judicial officers on a contractual basis if there is an insufficient workforce.
Annapurna Devi reiterated that the existing central laws are stringent enough to deal with crimes against women. She highlighted that the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) mandates the completion of investigations, including forensic examinations, within two months of an FIR being filed and the completion of trials within two months of the charge sheet being filed.
Mamata’s second letter to PM Modi
Mamata Banerjee’s second letter to Prime Minister Modi, dated August 29, 2024, was a follow-up to her initial letter sent on August 22, 2024. In her initial letter, Banerjee had expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of rape and called for more stringent central legislation to address these crimes. She stressed the need for exemplary punishment for perpetrators to act as a deterrent and urged the Prime Minister to take immediate action.
In her second letter, Mamata Banerjee expressed disappointment over the lack of a direct response from the Prime Minister to her first letter, which she deemed critical in light of the ongoing situation in West Bengal. She acknowledged receiving a reply from the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, but criticized the response for not adequately addressing the gravity of the issue. Banerjee emphasized that the seriousness of the subject and its relevance to society had not been fully appreciated in the minister’s reply.
“You may kindly recall my letter No.44-CM dated August 22, 2024, regarding the need for stringent Central legislation on incidents of rape and meting out exemplary punishment to perpetrators of such crimes. No reply was received from your end on such a sensitive issue,” Mamata Banerjee wrote in her letter to PM Modi.
BJP slams West Bengal CM
The BJP strongly criticized Mamata Banerjee’s approach, with party leaders accusing her of attempting to mislead the public. BJP leader Amit Malviya took to social media, calling Mamata Banerjee a “liar” and accusing her government of failing to implement the stringent rules already in place for the protection of women and children. The BJP also urged the West Bengal government to act with honesty and integrity in handling such sensitive issues.
As protests over the recent rape-murder case in Kolkata continue, the exchange of letters between Mamata Banerjee and the central government highlights the ongoing tensions over the handling of crimes against women in West Bengal.
On August 9, the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar hospital led to a political storm in West Bengal. The incident sparked widespread outrage, with protests erupting across the state. The tragedy has fueled accusations of negligence against Mamata Banerjee’s government, further intensifying the already tense relationship between the state and the Centre.