RG Kar rape case verdict: 'Punishment doesn't solve problem', says Bengal Governor

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Monday stated that judicial punishment alone cannot address the rising incidents of violence against women, calling for stricter measures to prevent such incidents. The Governor's remarks come hours after the court sentenced RG Kar convict Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment.

Bose mentioned that Raj Bhavan would hold a meeting to discuss women’s safety and submit its recommendations to the government for immediate action. He stressed the urgent need for robust policies to combat atrocities against women and ensure their safety, particularly in sensitive workplaces like medical institutions.

Stating that the quantum of punishment wouldn't resolve the societal issue, Governor Bose said, "Punishment, no matter how severe, does not resolve the problem. The increasing cases of rapes, assaults, and murders highlight a deeper societal issue".

"It is imperative that the government implements a robust and proactive policy to combat these atrocities and ensure the safety of women,



especially in sensitive environments such as medical institutions," he added.

The Governor also called on the government to launch a public awareness campaign and urged law enforcement to act promptly to prevent crimes against women. He also highlighted the importance of self-defence training through the state’s Abhaya Plus programme, which will be expanded.

"Raj Bhavan’s real-time monitoring cell will do concurrent monitoring of the petitions about atrocities on women received in the peace room and take appropriate action. The Abhaya Plus programme to provide self-defence training will be stepped up," the Bengal Governor added.

The Governor reiterated his commitment to addressing the issue and called for collaborative efforts to create a safer environment for women across West Bengal.

Bose's comments come after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI court's decision, claiming that the West Bengal Police would have ensured the death penalty for the convict.