Calcutta High Court Criticizes Bengal Government Over RG Kar Hospital Attack
- Posted on August 16, 2024
- News
- By Arijit Dutta
- 33 Views
The Calcutta High Court criticized the West Bengal government for its inadequate response to the vandalism at RG Kar Medical College, following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. The court questioned the state's ability to protect hospital staff, leading to the transfer of the case to the CBI.
The Calcutta High Court strongly criticized the West Bengal government for its handling of the recent vandalism at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident occurred during a midnight protest on August 14, sparked by the rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor. Despite a police presence, the mob of around 40 protestors, disguised as hospital staff, wreaked havoc by damaging property, overturning vehicles, and injuring police personnel.
Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court expressed severe displeasure over the failure of the state machinery, questioning how the police could not protect themselves, let alone the hospital staff. The court took up the matter urgently after receiving multiple emails regarding the incident. The Chief Justice noted the inadequacy of the police response, emphasizing that Section 144 of the CrPC could have been imposed to prevent such large-scale commotion.
Also Read: CBI Intensifies Probe in Kolkata Rape-Murder Case as Hospital Vandalism Sparks Outrage
The Kolkata Police reported that the protestors, armed with sticks and bricks, vandalized critical areas of the hospital, including the Emergency Ward and the Out Patients Department (OPD). Several CCTV cameras were destroyed, and a police vehicle was overturned. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of medical personnel, with the Chief Justice questioning how doctors can work without fear in such a volatile environment.
Following the court's intervention, the investigation into the trainee doctor's death has been transferred from the Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), ensuring a thorough and impartial probe.
