PM calls for strictest punishment for crimes against women  amidst protests over rape and murder of resident doctor

The streets of Kolkata have erupted in widespread protests following the heinous rape and murder of a young resident doctor, a crime that has left the entire nation in shock and sorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expressed his firm stance on the issue, calling for the strictest possible punishment for those involved in crimes against women. The victim, a 28-year-old resident doctor at a prominent Kolkata hospital, was found murdered under gruesome circumstances after being raped. The brutal crime has triggered widespread anger, as doctors, students, and activists have taken to the streets to demand swift and severe action against the perpetrators. Placards reading “Justice for our sister” and “Stop violence against women” are being carried by hundreds of protesters across the city, while candlelight vigils continue to spread across the nation. The medical community, in particular, has expressed its fury, with many health professionals going on strike, calling for stronger protection and justice for female healthcare workers, who often face threats and harassment in the course of their duties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in response to the national outrage, has unequivocally condemned the horrific crime. In his address to the nation on Independence Day, he emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of women in the country. Modi reiterated his stance that there must be zero tolerance for crimes against women, and perpetrators should face the most stringent punishment under the law. But it is not that we do not have strict laws for crime against women but the problem is their execution. The new amendments to criminal laws have additional features to expedite such cases. The new provisions include the death penalty for rape, video recording of crime scenes, and a witness protection program, etc. all of which could prove to help resolve such cases. However, only time will reveal how effectively these measures will be implemented on the ground and the guilty punished speedily. Women’s safety has been a recurring concern in India, and incidents like this continue to raise questions about the effectiveness of existing laws and preventive measures. The Prime Minister’s call for the strictest punishment has been widely welcomed, but it remains to be seen how these words will translate into concrete legal reforms. However, having laws is one thing and reforming the society is quite another. The attitude of society towards women must change. Most cases go unreported as the victims are oftenblamed by society; questions like ‘why were you there?’, ‘what were you wearing?’ and so on are posed to her to hold her responsible. The process becomes punishment and the victim has to live with the stigma for the rest of her life. The nation now awaits justice— not just for one young doctor, but for all the women who have suffered in silence.