'Fast track courts, exemplary punishments': Mamata Banerjee writes to PM Modi on rising rape cases in India

The Bengal Chief Minister underlined that this calls for a stringent central legislation, fast-track courts to ensure justice in rape cases.

The letter comes in the wake of the brutal rape and murder of the 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor during an overnight rest break at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

The subsequent handling of the case by the authorities has triggered massive protests and strikes by doctors across the country. It also incurred huge flak for the West Bengal government including calls for Banerjee's resignation.

"Respected Prime Minister, I wish to bring to your kind attention the regular and increasing occurrence of rape cases throughout the country and in many cases rapes with murder are committed according to the available data, it is horrifying to see that almost 90 cases of rapes occur daily throughout the country. This shakes the confidence and conscience of the society and the nation. It is bounden duty for all of us to put an end to it so that the women feel safe and secure," Alapan Bandopadhyay, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister, read the letter at a press conference.

The letter also recommended several measures to handle such cases including exemplary punishments for the perpetrators, as well as fast-track special courts for speedy trials.

"Such serious and sensitive issue needs to be addressed in a comprehensive manner through stringent central legislation prescribing exemplary punishment against the persons involved in such dastardly crimes. Setting up of fast-track special courts for speedy trials in such cases should also be considered in the proposed legislation to ensure quick justice. Trial in such cases should preferably be completed within 15 days," the letter said.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court, which has set up a National Task Force to recommend steps to improve working conditions for healthcare professionals, termed "extremely disturbing" the Kolkata Police's delay in registering the unnatural death of the woman doctor at the RG Kar Hospital.

Also read: RG Kar rape-murder: Supreme Court asks protesters to resume work, bars Mamata govt from stopping peaceful protests

The top court also appealed to the protesting doctors to get back to work.

"We earnestly appeal to all doctors... we are here to ensure their safety and protection. Please trust us, that is why we have not left the matter to the (Calcutta) High Court. Poor people cannot be left in lurch," said Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud to prevent the crippling of the medical facilities.

The Supreme Court took a suo motu cognizance of the incident listed the matter on Tuesday and made strong observations against the conduct of the college's principal and the investigation carried out later.

"We direct the secretary of the Union Ministry of Health to engage with the chief secretaries of the states and directors general of police to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals," the Supreme Court bench said while ordering that the exercise be completed in a week.

The bench said peaceful protests over the Kolkata incident shall not be disturbed or disrupted by the West Bengal government.