Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for strict punishment for those who execute these “monstrous deeds”, in an indirect reference to the Kolkata doctor’s rape and murder as the Mamata Banerjee Government faces massive anger and protests.
In his first Independence Day address of his third term from the ramparts of the Red Fort and his 11th consecutive one, Modi said State Governments need to take crimes against women seriously and instill fear of punishment in the hearts of these criminals.
Modi expressed concern over incidents of rape and violence against women and said he can feel the outrage of people.
Modi said there is a need to widely publicise punishments given for atrocities against women, so that there is a fear of consequence.
Without directly mentioning the ghastly crime in West Bengal, Modi said extensive discussions on those receiving punishment should be held so that criminals understand that crimes against women lead to hanging. The Prime Minister said, “Now the need of the hour is that there should be a wide discussion about the criminals who get punished so that even those who commit such sins fear the consequences, including hanging to death. I feel that it is very important to create this fear,” he said.
“…there are some pressing concerns which bring me a lot of trauma, hence, I once again wish to highlight them from the ramparts of the Red Fort. As a society we should seriously dwell upon the atrocities being meted out to our mothers, sisters and daughters. The outrage is visible in the nation and among the citizens. I can feel this outrage. The States, society and the nation have to take serious cognisance of this malefaction. Crimes against women should be investigated without any delay.
Those committing such demonic acts must be booked prima facie to reinstate the trust on the government, judiciary and civil society,” Modi said.
“I would also like to say that when rapes and incidents of atrocities on women occur, it is widely discussed. But when a person of such a monstrous tendency is punished, it is not seen in the news, but restricted to a corner,” he added. His comments come in the backdrop of the horrific rape and murder of an on-duty trainee doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata last week which led to widespread protests. The postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and brutally murdered on August 9. A civic volunteer was arrested in connection with the crime the next day.
Addressing the nation on the 78th Independence Day, PM Modi said India can emerge as a developed nation through the collective resolve of 140 crore citizens, who together can overcome any challenge. The Prime Minister said if a nation of 40 crore people could launch the freedom struggle and overthrow a world power by breaking the shackles of slavery, the dream of a prosperous India can be achieved if 140 crore citizens work together towards the goal. “This is the golden period of Bharat. Viksit Bharat 2047 awaits us. I can see clearly that the blood of our ancestors is in the veins of the 140 crore people. If those 40 crore people could fulfill the dreams of independence, then 140 crore citizens can realize the dream of a prosperous Bharat,” he said.
Turning his focus on the unrest in Bangladesh, he said 140 crore Indians are concerned over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in the neighbouring country and expressed the hope that normalcy will soon be restored there. India has always wished peace, happiness and prosperity for Bangladesh and wants its development journey to continue, said Modi, who sported a multi-coloured Rajasthani leheriya print turban with a white kurta and churidar. While hailing the rise of women in every sector, he expressed deep concern over incidents of crimes against them, amid an outrage over the recent rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. He asked state governments to move with “utmost urgency” to ensure swift justice in such cases.
In his speech, the Prime Minister indirectly told India’s adversaries that the rise of Bharat was not a threat to world peace and order so they should desist from targeting his country. He, however, made it emphatically clear that even though these adversaries (state and non- state players) will at best delay India’s rise due to their machinations, India is ready to counter this challenge.
Modi also cautioned citizens against those who cannot digest the country’s rise, saying some people cannot think of India’s welfare. The country will have to avoid these people who are sunk in the depth of despair, he added. He said a handful of people nursing such “vikriti” (perversion) can be a cause of destroying everything and pave the way of anarchy. “It inflicts such harm on the country that we will have to make a fresh beginning to repair the damage.” “They are dreaming to destroy everything. The country will have to understand it,” he said, without making any direct reference to anyone or any incident.
There are uncountable internal as well as external challenges, the prime minister said, asking foreign powers to be not part of plans against India or be concerned with its progress as the country’s growth is tied to humankind’s welfare. His remarks came in the backdrop of opposition parties seizing on a recent report of Hindenburg Research, which has charged the SEBI chairperson Madhabi Buch with conflict of interest in probing the Adani group of companies, to target the market regulator and the government. The ruling BJP has in turn accused the opposition, especially the Congress party, of being hand in glove with the US-based short seller to bring about economic anarchy due to its “hate” for Modi. Modi said his government has modernised the country’s infrastructure, be it in road, rail, port, schools and hospitals. It has also ensured saturation coverage of welfare schemes, he said, adding that when every beneficiary is covered any taint of “casteism and communalism” is ruled out.
In a clear swipe at opposition parties, he said some people are glorifying corruption and asserted that he wants to create an “atmosphere of fear” among the corrupt. His fight against corruption will continue, Modi said. He also pitched for reviving “Nalanda Spirit” in education so that instead of Indians going abroad for study, overseas students should come here.
He also outlined India’s commitment to become a global leader in semiconductor production, and said the country will become an industrial hub in manufacturing. There may be challenges and shortages of resources but people united in goals can overcome this to achieve their target, he added.
