Kolkata: The West Bengal Assembly unanimously passed the 'Aparajita' Bill aimed at combating rape, introduced by the Mamata Banerjee administration, on 3rd September 2024. This makes West Bengal the first state to amend central laws related to rape, gang rape, and sexual offences against children.The bill will next be forwarded to West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose and subsequently to President Droupadi Murmu for their approval.

Calling it ‘historic’ and a ‘model’, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted that the bill was introduced following the tragic event of a 31-year-old trainee doctor who was raped and killed at the RG Kar Medical Centre and Hospital last month.

“We want justice from the CBI and death by hanging of the guilty,” Banerjee said regarding the rape and murder of the RG Kar medic, while expressing her contempt and agitation over the gruesome crime.

The 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024' demands the death penalty for individuals convicted of rape or sexual offences if their actions cause the victim's death or result in a vegetative state. Additionally, it mandates a life sentence without the possibility of parole for those found guilty of rape.

"Through this bill, we have tried to plug the loopholes that exist in the central legislation. Rape is a curse against humanity, and social reforms are required to stop such crimes," the West Bengal Chief Minister said.

A two-day special session of the Assembly was convened on Monday in response to ongoing protests regarding the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata in August this year. /BI