Asserting that crime has no colour, caste, or religion, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday directed the police to register the FIR under the POCSO Act in connection with the murder of a schoolgirl in South 24 Parganas district and to ensure that the culprits are “hanged to death capital” within three months.
Speaking at the Kolkata Police Body Guard Lines after virtually inaugurating several Durga Pujas, the CM said: “I want the police to register the 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.”
Taking exception to “media trials” in rape cases, the chief minister said these must stop as it could hamper investigations and told the police to not get distracted by it. “Raja chale hazaar, kutta bhonke hazar… Eta mathai rakhte hobe… je kaaj kore, se galagalo khai… etai koli-kaaler niyom… are je kaaj korbe na, ke take galagali debe, tara naki somajer boro boro trata… keu keu bhabchhe tara bhogobaner thekeo boro (Don’t get affected by what others say… Keep this in mind. Those who work are the ones who faces criticism… This is the rule of Kaliyug… Those who don’t do any work, they are now society’s so-called saviours… They consider themselves bigger than Gods),” the chief minister said.
Talking about the protests, the chief minister said: “After one or two incidents happen, people start shouting. They should do it in a democracy. I have no problem. But, when these things happen in other states, they remain mute. They put bandages in their mouths.”
Reiterating her remark, which she had made to her TMC cadres during the beginning of the protests over the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar hospital, Banerjee said: “Thakur Ramakrishna once said to his disciples, you may not bite, but you can hiss. I am also saying, you can hiss. Police will be soft from the outside, but inside they should be bold.”
She also spoke against cybercrime and increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to spread fake news. “Today, AI has come. You will see my picture, my body, and listen to my speech but that is not me. Fake. This is AI. Now, cybercrime is increasing.” she said. “I am telling the police that girls who can identify the cybercrime, fake videos and alert the them fast, there will be a reward for them. They will also get jobs, if needed. Not everything is done by everyone. Only girls can help in this,” the chief minister said.
Click here to join The Indian Express on WhatsApp and get latest news and updates