In summary,
- Prime Minister Modi has expressed that there is significant public anger regarding crimes committed against women.
- He emphasizes the necessity for states to prioritize the safety of women.
- These comments arise in the context of widespread outrage following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata.
During his address to the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the public’s outrage regarding crimes committed against women and asserted that it is imperative for states to guarantee their safety. He further highlighted the necessity for prompt investigations and appropriate punishments to rebuild public confidence. These remarks were made in the context of widespread protests following the horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old female doctor at a hospital in Kolkata.
I wish to reiterate my deep sorrow from the Red Fort today. As a society, we must engage in serious reflection regarding the atrocities committed against women, which have sparked widespread outrage across the nation. I can sense this collective indignation. It is imperative that the country, society, and state governments address this matter with utmost seriousness.
Swift investigations into crimes against women are essential, and those responsible for these heinous acts must face stringent penalties without delay; this is crucial for restoring public confidence, stated Prime Minister Modi. He further remarked that when individuals with such monstrous inclinations are penalized, it often goes unreported, relegated to the margins of news coverage.
It is imperative that a thorough discussion regarding those who face punishment takes place, so that individuals who engage in such transgressions comprehend that it may result in severe consequences, including capital punishment. I believe it is crucial to instill a sense of fear regarding these outcomes, he emphasized. In the hours leading up to the Prime Minister’s comments on women’s safety, a significant number of women from diverse backgrounds convened at various locations across West Bengal at midnight, voicing their profound outrage over the rape and murder of a doctor on duty at RG Kar Medical College Hospital in Kolkata. Protests advocating for justice for the victim have been organized in multiple cities over the past few weeks.
During the women’s ‘Reclaim the Night’ demonstration, some unidentified individuals infiltrated the grounds of the state-run medical college and caused damage to parts of the facility. In the meantime, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced her intention to initiate a protest demanding justice for the victim. The Chief Minister urged the Central Bureau of Investigation, which has taken over the case from the Kolkata Police, to “ensure justice by next Sunday.”