Kolkata: In response to the brutal rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata, the West Bengal Assembly has passed a law that could potentially lead to the death penalty for rapists. This legislative change comes amid intense public outcry and widespread protests demanding more severe consequences for crimes against women.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the horrific incident occurred on August 9 when the body of a 31-year-old doctor was found at a state-run hospital in Kolkata, triggering massive protests throughout West Bengal. The demonstrations, initially peaceful, have since escalated into clashes between supporters of different political parties.
The new legislation, which still requires approval from the president to become effective, aims to address the persistent issue of violence against women in the region. While the Indian criminal code is uniformly applicable across the nation, this state-specific law seeks to impose stricter penalties, enhancing the minimum sentence for rape from 10 years to life imprisonment or even death.
The murder of the doctor not only led to strikes and rallies by medical professionals across India but also garnered support from thousands of citizens, highlighting the widespread demand for justice and reform. Despite some medical workers resuming their duties, the impact of the protests continues to influence political and social dynamics within the state.
The law has received backing from both the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) in West Bengal and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which controls the national government. The bipartisan support underscores the urgency and collective resolve to tackle the issue of sexual violence.