'Atrocities against women a serious concern...': PM Modi amid protests over Kolkata rape-murder case

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that many strict laws have been made in the country for the safety of women, but there is a need to make it more active.

His remarks came as the country has been witnessing demonstrations over the murder and rape of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital.

"Today, atrocities against women, safety of children are serious concerns of the society. The faster the decisions are taken in cases related to atrocities against women, the greater assurance of safety half the population will get," he said while addressing National Conference of the District Judiciary in Delhi.

The Prime Minister's comments came after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to him once again, reiterating her request for stringent central legislation and exemplary punishment on heinous crimes like rape and murder.

Banerjee, who wrote to Modi a few days ago on the issue following nationwide uproar over the rape and murder of the trainee doctor in Kolkata on August 9, sought mandatory provision for time-bound disposal of cases of rape/rape and murder.

In response to the CM's letter, union minister Annapurna Devi emphasised that current legislation is sufficiently robust to address violence and crimes targeting women. She called on the West Bengal government to fully and effectively implement the same in "letter and spirit".

Devi, the union minister for women and child development, in her letter said the state government has not operationalised additional 11 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) to specifically deal with cases of rape and POCSO cases.

"In spite of the pendency of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in West Bengal, the state has not operationalised additional 11 FTSCs which may be exclusive POCSO courts or combined FTSCs dealing with both rape and POCSO cases, as per the state's requirement," the union minister said.

A 31-year-old trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered in state-run RG Kar Hospital in West Bengal's Kolkata, which triggered massive protests across the country with demands for strict punishment against the accused.

Civic volunteer Sanjay Roy has been arrested in the case, the probe of which was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from the Kolkata Police by Calcutta High Court.