Share details every 2 hours: Centre asks police for law and order reports amid Kolkata protests

In response to escalating unrest in Kolkata, the Union Home Ministry has mandated that state police forces submit law and order reports every two hours. The directive from the Central government has come amid widespread protests by doctors and nursing staff, triggered by the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Here’s what the order says:

Effective from 4 pm on Friday, the police are required to send updates through fax, email, or WhatsApp to the MHA control room in New Delhi. The Home Ministry's notification emphasized the need for continuous monitoring.

“Regarding two hourly law and order situation reports. The competent authority has desired to monitor the law and order situation report of your state/UT against the murder of a trainee woman doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. Henceforth, a continuous two-hourly law and order situation report in this regard may kindly be sent to the MHA control room.”

It has reached Home Ministry !!
Ministry of Home Affairs asks for 2 hourly law and order situation. #RGKARjustice#BENGAL_HORROR pic.twitter.com/8oLh9PiBSA

— FORDA INDIA (@FordaIndia) August 17, 2024

Protests Erupt Over Kolkata Incident

On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty. The following day, a Kolkata Police civic volunteer was arrested in connection with the crime. Following which, the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI. Protests escalated on Wednesday night when a mob vandalized parts of the hospital. Medical professionals nationwide have since been protesting, demanding stronger protections for healthcare workers and secure hospital environments.

In response to the unrest and disruptions to healthcare services, the Union Government announced plans to form a committee to propose new safety measures for healthcare professionals. The committee, to be established by the Union Health Ministry, will include representatives from various stakeholders, including state governments, to develop comprehensive safety recommendations.