Another molestation case emerges from Kolkata, now inside five-star hotel

Kolkata: A woman was allegedly molested during a party at a well-known five-star hotel in Kolkata on Tuesday night. Following a complaint lodged by the survivor, the police swiftly arrested two individuals, one of whom is a resident of Delhi.

The arrests came after an FIR was registered, and an investigation is currently ongoing. Details of the incident remain under investigation, and the authorities are continuing to gather evidence and statements from witnesses present at the scene.

Incident occurs amid legislative action on rape laws

The alleged molestation incident occurred on the same day the West Bengal Assembly passed a significant anti-rape bill. The move came amid a national outcry over the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month. The attack sparked widespread outrage and demands for tougher legal measures to address sexual violence.

In response, the Mamata Banerjee-led government introduced the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill, 2024. This legislation, passed unanimously on Tuesday, received backing from the opposition and aims to impose stricter penalties for sexual crimes.

Kolkata govt introduces Aparajita Bill

One of the key provisions of the Aparajita Bill is the proposal of the death penalty for convicted rapists if their actions lead to the victim’s death or leave her in a vegetative state. This bill makes West Bengal the first state to introduce amendments to central laws concerning rape, gang-rape, and sexual crimes against children.

The passing of this legislation signals the state's commitment to taking a firm stance against sexual violence, sending a clear message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated.

Ongoing investigation

The police investigation into the molestation incident at the five-star hotel is ongoing, with officers working to determine the full details and circumstances surrounding the event. As more information emerges, authorities are expected to take further action in accordance with the law.

The incident has brought attention back to the issue of women's safety, reinforcing the need for continuous legal reforms and vigilant law enforcement to prevent such crimes in the future.