Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In a significant development related to the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the Supreme Court has ordered the West Bengal government to suspend the deployment of civic volunteers in schools, hospitals, and police stations until further notice. The directive was issued during a hearing on Tuesday after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) named Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, as the prime accused in the case.
The court, expressing concerns about the recruitment process of civic volunteers, asked the state government to submit details within three weeks. It criticized the recruitment as a means of offering “political patronage to unverified persons” and sought an affidavit from the government on the issue. The West Bengal government has recruited over 1,500 civic volunteers under its ‘Ratire Sathi’ scheme, and the Supreme Court has now prohibited their posting in sensitive areas like hospitals and police stations.
CBI’s Role in the Investigation
The CBI, in its fifth status report submitted to the court, stated that the investigation is still ongoing, with the role of other individuals being probed. The court directed the CBI to submit a further status report on the case within three weeks.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, submitted the status report before a bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.
Concerns Over Safety of Healthcare Workers
The court also emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures for doctors in Kolkata. It directed the National Task Force, established to develop a safety protocol for healthcare professionals, to hold regular meetings and submit recommendations within three weeks.
Progress on Hospital Infrastructure Lags
In an earlier session on September 30, the Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction over the West Bengal government’s slow progress in installing CCTV cameras, constructing toilets, and building separate resting rooms in government hospitals. The court had set an October 15 deadline for the completion of the work.
Background of the Case
The case centers around the tragic rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The incident, which occurred in August, sparked nationwide protests demanding justice and safety for healthcare workers. The Supreme Court has been closely monitoring the investigation, expressing concerns over the delayed registration of the case and the initial procedural lapses by the Kolkata police.
The Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI on August 13, and the agency began its probe the following day. The Supreme Court has since taken an active role in overseeing the case to ensure justice is served.
