The alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has sparked nationwide protests and a strong response from the Union Home Ministry. Doctors, nursing staff, and other medical professionals have been demanding justice for the victim and stricter measures to protect healthcare workers from violence.
In response to the widespread protests, the Union Home Ministry has instructed all state police forces to submit detailed situation reports every two hours. This directive highlights the ministry’s concern about the potential for unrest and its commitment to monitoring the situation closely. The communication sent to state police forces emphasizes the importance of maintaining law and order in light of the ongoing protests.
The incident, which occurred on August 9th, has led to a wave of anger and calls for action. A civic volunteer of Kolkata Police was arrested in connection with the crime. The Calcutta High Court, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This decision reflects the court’s belief that a thorough and impartial investigation is crucial to bring justice to the victim and her family.
However, the protests have not been without incident. A group of people vandalized portions of the medical facility shortly after Wednesday midnight, leading to a tense situation. This act of violence further fueled anger and frustration among protesters and healthcare workers. Doctors and other medical staff have been staging demonstrations across the country, demanding a central law to curb violence against healthcare professionals. They are also calling for hospitals to be declared safe zones with enhanced security measures.
The Calcutta High Court, in its order transferring the case to the CBI, criticized the Mamata Banerjee government for its perceived failure to address the situation effectively. The court’s strong stance underlines the severity of the crime and the need for swift and decisive action.
In an effort to manage the ongoing unrest, the Kolkata Police have imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (formerly Section 144 of the CrPC) around the Medical College and Hospital. This restriction, which will be in effect for seven days starting from Sunday, aims to prevent further disruptions and maintain order in the area.
The case has brought to light the vulnerabilities faced by healthcare workers and the urgency of addressing the issue of violence against them. The nationwide protests and the strong response from the government and the judiciary demonstrate the gravity of the situation and the public’s demand for justice and accountability.
