Calcutta HC goes tough on Bengal govt over RG Kar College hospital attack, calls it ‘absolute failure of state machinery’

The Calcutta High Court has strongly criticized the West Bengal government for its handling of the vandalism at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on the night of August 14. The attack occurred during a protest against the rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor, sparking widespread concern over safety and order within the state’s healthcare system.

According to the sources, the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court expressed his dismay, stating that the court had taken up the matter after receiving multiple emails regarding the incident. He described the situation as "an absolute failure of state machinery" and questioned the police's inability to protect their own personnel during the chaos. “This is a sorry state of affairs. How will these doctors work fearlessly?” he remarked, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Failure to Implement Section 144 of CrPC

The Chief Justice further criticized the government for failing to enforce Section 144 of the CrPC, which restricts the assembly of large groups, despite the growing unrest. He questioned how such a large number of protestors, nearly 7,000, were able to gather without any preventive measures being taken by the authorities.

According to Kolkata Police, around 40 individuals, disguised as protestors, infiltrated the hospital premises, causing extensive damage. The miscreants, armed with sticks, bricks, and rods, vandalized the Emergency Ward, its nursing station, and the medicine store, as well as parts of the Outpatient Department (OPD). Several CCTV cameras were destroyed, a police vehicle was overturned, and numerous two-wheelers were damaged. The police had to resort to tear gas to disperse the mob, with some officers sustaining injuries during the incident.

Arrests made by Kolkata Police

Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police in connection with the vandalism have arrested 19 people so far. The department has also released the pictures of the accused involved in violent attacks. Five of them have been indentified though social media handles. The police have also urged citizens to help them identify the mob involved in the attacks.

Doctors at AIIMS Delhi Demand Central Protection Act

Meanwhile, in response to the heinous crime in Kolkata, healthcare professionals across the country have rallied in protest. Doctors and medical students from the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi have demanded the introduction of a Central Protection Act for healthcare workers. 

According to the sources, Dr Kumar Kartikay from AIIMS Delhi stated that they would not end their strike until they received a written assurance of action being taken. "We want to peacefully put forward our demands. We will continue our strike until we get an assurance," he said, indicating the intensity of the protest, which is expected to draw thousands to the streets.