Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been deployed to oversee security at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital following a shocking incident of vandalism triggered by the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor. Senior CISF officers, including K Pratap Singh, conducted a recce of the hospital premises this morning as part of their assignment to secure the state-run facility.
K Pratap Singh, speaking briefly to the media, emphasized the importance of the CISF’s mission, stating, “Let us do our job. We have come here for some assignment. Let us finish our work, then senior officers will brief you. I am doing my job mandated by higher authorities.”
The decision to bring in central forces follows the Supreme Court’s sharp criticism of the city police’s handling of a mob attack on the hospital. On August 15, during a ‘Reclaim the Night’ protest held across Kolkata and other cities, a mob stormed RG Kar Medical College, damaging medical equipment and supplies on two floors. The protest was part of a movement demanding justice for the doctor who was raped and murdered earlier in August.
Expressing its concern, the Supreme Court stated, “We are unable to comprehend how the State was not prepared to deal with the incident of vandalization of the premises of the hospital.” The court highlighted that many doctors had left the hospital following the violence and stressed the need for a secure environment to allow them to return and continue treating patients.
In response to the court’s remarks, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured that the premises would now be guarded by central forces. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, raised no objection to this move.
Meanwhile, protests continue at the hospital, with demonstrators demanding justice for the doctor who lost her life in the horrific incident.
Sandip Ghosh Faces Extended Questioning
In a related development, Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, appeared at the CBI’s office in Kolkata today for the sixth consecutive day of questioning regarding the investigation into the rape-murder case. Ghosh, who has been under scrutiny for his handling of the situation after the doctor’s body was discovered in a seminar hall on August 9, has so far been questioned for a total of 64 hours over five days, according to CBI officials. Ghosh has consistently refused to speak to the media about the ongoing investigation.
Additionally, the Bengal government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine allegations of financial irregularities during Ghosh’s tenure as principal of the institution.
Suspensions Following Vandalism Incident
The West Bengal government has taken disciplinary action following the Supreme Court’s criticism of the police’s response to the vandalism at the hospital. Three police officers, including two Assistant Police Commissioners, have been suspended in connection with the incident. “Three officers have been suspended… Two are Assistant Police Commissioners and one is an inspector,” an official told PTI, adding that further investigations are ongoing.
Doctors Continue to Live in Fear
Despite the increased security, fear still grips the hospital’s medical staff. A female doctor, who was on night duty just two days before the tragic incident, expressed her concerns to AFP. “I was on night duty just two days before this incident,” she shared. “What she did is what any of us do—resting whenever, wherever we can.”
The doctor highlighted the challenging working conditions at the state-run hospital, where long hours with little time to eat or rest are common. “This could have been any of us, and this still can be any of us,” she added, reflecting the ongoing fear among her colleagues.
