• Source:JND
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The Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government on Tuesday introduced the anti-rape bill at the state Assembly in the wake of the rape and murder of a trainee postgraduate medical student at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. 

The Bill titled– 'Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024’, aims to strengthen protections for women and children by introducing provisions related to rape and sexual offences. It also provides for the death penalty for persons convicted of rape if their actions result in the victim's death.

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The bill was introduced in the state Assembly by West Bengal Law Minister Moloy Ghatak. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hailed the bill as ‘model and historic’. 

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed support for the bill and wants the bill to be effectively implemented.

"We will wait for this bill to change into rules and get implemented. You have hurriedly brought up this bill and could have questioned if this has gone to the law committee or not. But not saying this. We want the execution of this bill immediately. We want results. We give full support," Adhikari said.

Adhikari also targeted the Bengal government alleging that it is trying to divert attention from serious issues. The BJP leader highlighted the recent rape and murder of a woman in a state-run medical college and the subsequent protests by people from all walks of life. 

He accused the state government of using the bill as a distraction from these pressing issues and stated that doctors had been protesting all night, demanding a formal response from the authorities.

Here Are The Key Provisions:

- As per the draft, one of the most important provisions of the proposed Bill is the introduction of capital punishment for individuals convicted of rape in cases where the crime results in the death of the victim. 

- There is also a provision of capital punishment for cases of rape and gangrape.

- The Bill proposes an expedited investigation process for rape cases to ensure swift justice.