Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, issued a strong call for swift and severe punishment for those committing crimes against women.
While he did not directly reference the recent rape and murder of a postgraduate doctor in Kolkata, his remarks were a reflection of the urgency of addressing such "monstrous deeds."
PM Modi, in his 11th address to the nation, highlighted the societal outrage against the increasing incidents of violence against women. He stressed the need for state governments to take these crimes seriously, urging them to ensure that perpetrators face the full force of the law promptly.
The Prime Minister's comments come in the wake of the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor in a state-run hospital in Kolkata, a crime that has sent shockwaves across the country.
"I would like to express my pain once again from the Red Fort today. As a society, we must confront the atrocities against women that are occurring. There is widespread outrage, and I can feel this deeply. The country, society, and state governments must take this seriously. Speedy investigations and strict punishments for those who commit these heinous acts are essential to instill confidence in society," Modi said.
He also pointed out the need for more extensive discussions around the punishments meted out to such criminals, stressing that these should be publicised to deter others.
"When rapes and atrocities against women occur, they are widely discussed. But when a person with such monstrous tendencies is punished, it often goes unnoticed, relegated to a corner of the news. We need to ensure that these punishments are discussed extensively so that potential offenders understand that such crimes lead to severe consequences, including hanging. Instilling this fear is crucial," PM Modi added.
The recent incident in Kolkata, which Modi alluded to, involved the murder of a young doctor in her workplace.
The woman, a postgraduate trainee, was found dead in the seminar hall of a state-run hospital in Kolkata, where she had gone to rest during her night shift.
The post-mortem report revealed that she had been raped and brutally beaten to death, with evidence of severe genital torture. Her throat was crushed, and blood was found oozing from her eyes, mouth, and private parts.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has since taken over the probe, as the nation grapples with yet another horrific crime against a woman, highlighting the ongoing struggle to ensure safety and justice for women across India.
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