Don’t just make speeches, act against crimes against women, Gujarat CM tells Mamata

Gujarat CM urges Mamata Banerjee to take action, not just words, on women's safety after Kolkata doctor's rape-murder.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday (September 6, 2024) asked his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee to take actions instead of just making speeches on the recent rape and murder of a woman doctor in Kolkata. Action not mere words are needed on the issue of women’s safety, he said.

In a post on X, Mr. Patel said that safety is a fundamental human right and not a political issue. There was a need to act with urgency and without any excuses to ensure that women live without fear, he said.

“Mamta Didi, we need action, not just words. The POCSO Act and other laws for women’s safety are robust, but their impact depends on swift and fair action by local police. From investigation to conviction, timely justice is crucial,” he said in a post, which was in English. Mr. Patel otherwise always uses Gujarati while posting comments or information on the social media platform.

“Consider these cases: Surat’s Pandesara POCSO case: Chargesheet filed in 10 days, rapist sentenced to death in 22 days. Puna police station case: Rapist sentenced to death in just 32 days,” he further said in the post.

Not just in rape cases, but also in the murder of a 22-year-old daughter, the Gujarat Police filed a chargesheet in nine days, and justice was served within 75 days, with a death sentence to the murderer, he added.

Citing a few more instances, he said, “Bhavnagar POCSO case: Chargesheet in 24 hours; justice served in 52 days. Stalking and harassment cases: Culprits punished with 5 years sentence.”

“Women’s safety is a fundamental human right, not a political issue. We must act with urgency, transparency and collective responsibility. Let’s ensure our mothers, daughters, and sisters live without fear. No more delays, no more excuses - only prompt action and accountability,” Mr. Patel said in the post.