New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered the police to register the horrific rape-murder case of a 10-year-old girl in Kultali under the POCSO Act and ensure capital punishment for the perpetrators within three months. This decisive action comes amidst widespread public outrage and protests following the discovery of the girl’s body in a canal on Saturday.
Banerjee, while speaking at the Kolkata police bodyguard lines, emphasized that crime has no place in society, transcending any boundaries of religion or caste. She called for swift and strong action against the perpetrators, highlighting the government’s commitment to justice. However, her call for an end to media trials in such cases has sparked debate, with some arguing that media scrutiny can be crucial in ensuring accountability.
“I want the police to register the Kultali case under the POCSO Act and ensure that the culprits get capital punishment within three months… Crime is crime; there is no religion or caste. Strong action should be taken against the criminals,” the chief minister said, PTI reported.
Protests erupted across South 24 Parganas on Sunday, with locals demanding the harshest punishment for those responsible. The BJP, capitalizing on the public anger, also joined the protests, further adding fuel to the political fire.
Meanwhile, West Bengal police detained a suspect in connection with the case, claiming that he confessed to the murder. However, the victim’s aunt accused the police of negligence, alleging they ignored the family’s initial pleas for help and that the girl’s body bore severe injuries, indicating a brutal attack.
