PM Modi condemns Kolkata doctor murder, calls crimes against women ‘unforgivable’

PTC News Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today promised stringent action in cases of crimes against women, amidst widespread outrage over the rape and murder of a junior doctor at a hospital in Kolkata. Addressing a gathering at the ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’ in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, PM Modi emphasised the importance of women’s safety and issued a stern warning to all state governments.

“The security of women is paramount,” PM Modi stated. “I want to reiterate to every state government that crimes against women are unforgivable. Regardless of who the perpetrator is, they must not be spared,” he declared, underlining his government’s commitment to protecting women.

The ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’ event focused on empowering women through self-help groups. The Modi government defines a “Lakhpati Didi” as a member of a self-help group who earns an annual household income of ₹1 lakh or more. This income is calculated over at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles, ensuring an average monthly income of over ₹10,000, making it sustainable.

PM Modi also highlighted his government’s efforts to strengthen laws to ensure severe punishments for those committing crimes against women. “We are reinforcing laws to impose stringent penalties on those who perpetrate crimes against women,” he said.

Also Read: Pakistan extends bold invitation to PM Modi for SCO meeting: How will India respond?

The brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have sparked nationwide protests and intensified a political battle between West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress and BJP leaders, who have criticized the state’s deteriorating record on women’s safety.

During the Jalgaon event, PM Modi claimed that his government has achieved more for women over the past decade than all previous administrations combined since India’s Independence. “Before 2014, loans amounting to less than ₹25,000 crore were disbursed to women’s self-help groups. In the last ten years, however, ₹9 lakh crore has been provided,” PM Modi noted, underscoring his administration’s support for women’s financial empowerment.

Advocating for the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, PM Modi called on citizens to continue their support to ensure stability and prosperity. “Maharashtra is the shining star of a developed India. The state’s future depends on increased investment and job growth,” he added, highlighting the importance of continued development and economic progress in the region.

Also Read: Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi praises young aspirants to join politics, promises to strengthen democracy