Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a directive for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to take over the security at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. This decision comes in the wake of a violent mob attack on August 15, which left the hospital’s women doctors in a state of fear and insecurity.
The attack followed the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at the same hospital, an incident that has sparked national outrage and protests. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra, expressed deep concern over the apparent failure of the West Bengal police to protect the doctors during the chaotic situation.
“This is a very serious issue, Mr. Sibal,” remarked CJI Chandrachud, addressing Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who represented the West Bengal government. The Court questioned why the state police were unprepared for the possibility of such a law and order situation and demanded an explanation for why they fled when faced with the mob.
“Thirty-seven individuals were arrested, identified from CCTV footage. The West Bengal government could not have been unaware that there would be elements who would disturb the peace. The lady doctors were threatened with the same fate as the deceased. How did the police run away? This is not an ordinary complaint,” the Court sternly stated.
The Supreme Court took up this matter suo motu, given the gravity of the situation, and highlighted the widespread fear among the medical staff at the hospital. The Court was informed by the counsel representing the women doctors that during the mob attack, the police abandoned their posts, leaving the doctors vulnerable.
“The parents are not sending the lady doctors as they do not feel safe. Doctors have also stated that police were inside the female changing room. Please see the sealed envelope to understand the current position of the doctors there,” the counsel added.
Justice Pardiwala also questioned the police’s ability to safeguard the hospital and its staff, referencing the Court’s earlier appeal for doctors to resume their duties to assist marginalized patients.
In response to these concerns, the Supreme Court ordered the CISF to assume control of security at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, ensuring the safety and protection of all medical professionals on the premises.
This decision also comes with the establishment of a National Task Force by the Court, which will focus on the safety and well-being of medical professionals across the country, aiming to prevent such incidents from recurring.
