Mamata Banerjee Vows Death Penalty for Rapists Amid Tense Kolkata Bandh

*Kolkata —* West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a decisive new measure against rapists, promising that those convicted will face the death penalty by hanging. This declaration came during a rally in Kolkata on Wednesday, coinciding with a statewide Bandh called by the BJP.

Banerjee revealed that the state government plans to introduce an amendment to existing laws in the upcoming assembly session, aiming to enforce the death penalty for rape offenders. "We will amend state laws next week to ensure that perpetrators of rape face death by hanging," Banerjee stated, according to PTI.

Her comments were made in the context of the ongoing controversy surrounding the rape and murder of an RG Kar trainee doctor. The Chief Minister also voiced skepticism about the CBI's handling of the investigation, questioning its effectiveness.

The proposed law reform comes against a backdrop of intense political conflict, with the BJP's 12-hour Bengal Bandh sparking significant protests across the state. Banerjee accused the BJP of seeking to tarnish the state's reputation rather than seeking justice for the victim. "Today is dedicated to the RG Kar doctor, but instead of focusing on justice, the BJP's Bandh is merely an attempt to defame Bengal," she criticized.

Amid the protests, tensions escalated as BJP leader Priyangu Pandey reported a violent confrontation with alleged TMC supporters. Pandey claimed that his vehicle was attacked with bombs and gunfire while en route to a political event. He accused both TMC members and the police of orchestrating the attack, alleging that his security was withdrawn to facilitate the assault.

The political climate remains charged as both sides accuse each other of inciting violence and undermining justice.