The Calcutta High Court has recently taken significant steps in response to a serious incident involving vandalism and violence at Kolkata’s RG Kar Government Medical College and Hospital. This comes in the wake of a tragic event where a 31-year-old trainee doctor was raped and murdered. The court has addressed several crucial issues regarding the crime scene and ongoing investigations.
Also read: Kolkata doctor rape-murder case- Calcutta HC asks RG Kar Hospital ex-principal to go on long leave
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Court's Ruling on Crime Scene Access and Surveillance
On the agenda before the Calcutta High Court was a plea requesting restricted access to the crime scene and the installation of CCTV cameras at RG Kar Government Medical College and Hospital. This request is part of broader efforts to ensure the integrity of the investigation and prevent further disruptions. The court has scheduled the next hearing for Wednesday to review these measures and assess the progress of the case.
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Chief Minister's Rally for Justice
In a parallel development, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to lead a rally at 4 PM today. The rally aims to demand justice for the victim, specifically calling for the death penalty for the primary accused, who has been apprehended by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This public demonstration highlights the widespread demand for severe legal repercussions and reflects the community’s outrage over the incident.
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Transfer of Investigation to CBI
The investigation into the rape and murder case was transferred from the Kolkata Police to the CBI on August 13, following an order from the Calcutta High Court. This transfer underscores the gravity of the case and the need for an impartial and thorough investigation by a central agency.
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Current Status of the Investigation
-CBI's Actions and Findings
On Wednesday, a team from the CBI began its investigation by visiting the hospital where the crime took place. In connection with the case, five doctors have been summoned for questioning. Preliminary findings have revealed that Sanjay Roy, the accused, had a history of domestic violence, as evidenced by a complaint lodged by his wife at Khalighat Police Station. She alleged that Roy had assaulted her, which may provide additional context to his criminal behavior.
-Police Response and Detentions
In response to the violence and vandalism that occurred on the night of the incident, the Kolkata Police have detained nine individuals. These detentions were made following a night of unrest, which saw significant damage on the ground floor of the Emergency building at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The situation remains fluid, with the ongoing investigation and public demonstrations reflecting the intensity of the community's demand for justice. The next steps in the legal proceedings and further actions by authorities will be crucial in addressing both the immediate concerns and the broader implications of this tragic case.
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What happened on Wednesday night when R G Kar Hospital got vandalized?
On the evening of August 14, RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata experienced a significant and troubling event. A large mob of 5,000 to 7,000 people breached the hospital premises, attacking both protesting doctors and medical students. Their actions resulted in severe vandalism and disruption across several areas of the hospital.
-Discovery of the Doctor’s Body
The incident's backdrop includes the tragic discovery of a 31-year-old doctor’s body in a seminar room on the fourth floor of the emergency building. This area, where the body was found, remains untouched and secured as part of the crime scene. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is actively involved in the case, having summoned five doctors for questioning and meeting with the victim’s family to record their statements.
-Extent of the Damage
The vandalism was extensive, primarily targeting the ground floor of the emergency building. Key areas affected include:
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The cardiology emergency section
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The admissions room
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The medical officers’ room
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The tele-neuro medicine room
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The nurses’ room
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Various emergency wards
Sophisticated equipment, including crucial life support systems, was damaged or destroyed. Despite the chaos on the ground floor, the fourth floor, where the crime scene was located, remained secure and undisturbed.
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Arrests and Vandalism at RG Kar Hospital
On the night of August 14, RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata experienced a severe incident involving a large mob. The police reported that between 5,000 and 7,000 individuals stormed the hospital premises. This group targeted protesting doctors and medical students and attempted to vandalize the property. The aggressive mob not only attacked the staff but also aimed to ransack the hospital.
In response to the attack, police forces, though heavily outnumbered, made considerable efforts to control the situation. According to the police, officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of North Kolkata, faced significant risks and injuries while trying to manage the chaotic scene. Many officers sustained injuries, with some being seriously hurt, while they awaited additional support to restore order. The police have identified the key individuals responsible for inciting the violence and have promised that strict legal action will be taken against them.
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CBI Summons Four Doctors
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned four doctors from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital for questioning. These doctors, who are post-graduate trainees (PGTs), are being interrogated regarding the events of the night when the hospital was attacked. The CBI’s Special Crime Branch is leading the investigation and has been conducting interviews at their office in the CGO Complex, Salt Lake, Kolkata.
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Family’s Plea for Justice
In a related development, the father of a deceased doctor involved in the recent tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has expressed his sentiments regarding the ongoing investigation. He has conveyed his gratitude to the supporters and protestors who have shown solidarity with the family. Despite the emotional turmoil, he has refused any form of compensation, stating that accepting money would dishonor his daughter's memory. He emphasizes the need for justice and has received assurances from the CBI that the accused individuals will be apprehended and face severe punishment based on their findings.
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Political Response and Protests
In the wake of the tragic events and ongoing unrest, Bengal is expected to face significant disruptions. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for road blockades and work stoppages across Kolkata and other districts. The BJP's call to action includes blocking roads from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and halting work at state government offices for two hours.
The situation in Bengal remains tense as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) and opposition parties, including the BJP and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), prepare for demonstrations. The protests are centered around the allegations of rape and murder involving a postgraduate doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also responded by declaring a 24-hour shutdown of non-emergency medical services in solidarity with the affected doctors and to protest the incident.
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Kolkata Police sends notice to various 'X' handles
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Accused Sanjay of being taken for a medical examination
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State's Failure and Doctors' Safety Concerns
During the recent hearing, the Calcutta High Court expressed strong criticism regarding the state’s management of the vandalism incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The court questioned how medical professionals could continue their work without fear amidst the rampant destruction and violence. It highlighted the "absolute failure of state machinery" in preventing the attack, which not only damaged essential medical equipment but also created an environment of fear for healthcare workers.
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Call for Immediate Safety Measures
The court’s remarks underscore the growing concerns about the safety and security of medical personnel in the region. The judges emphasized the urgent need for effective measures to ensure that healthcare workers can perform their duties without the fear of similar violent incidents occurring in the future.
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Suggested Closure of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital
In light of the vandalism, the Calcutta High Court suggested relocating patients and potentially closing RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to ensure safety. The court noted that while the primary area of the hospital remained intact, there was some damage on the fourth floor. The judges recommended forming a special team and informing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further action. They advised shutting down the hospital temporarily as a precautionary measure.
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Concerns About Police Intelligence
The court said, "If 7,000 people gathered, it was hard to believe that state police did not know. When so much commotion is going on, doctors on strike, you should have cordoned off entire area. Absolute failure of state machinery...how do you think the doctors would be able to work fearlessly?" Chief Justice Sivagnanam asked.
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Questioning the Hospital Renovation Urgency
The urgency of the recent renovations at the hospital was also questioned by the court. This scrutiny aims to understand the motivations and timing behind the renovation efforts in relation to the vandalism incident.
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Protection of Victim’s Identity
The Calcutta High Court issued a directive to prevent the circulation of the victim’s personal details and photographs on social media. This directive was aimed at protecting the victim’s privacy and preventing further distress. The court also urged the press and media to refrain from disclosing the victim’s identity in their reports.
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CBI’s Interim Report on Vandalism
The court directed the CBI to conduct a thorough investigation into the vandalism incident and to file an interim report detailing the progress of the investigation. The authorities were also instructed to respond to all related matters and ensure that petitioners' counsels are informed of the updates.
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Protection for Former Principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh
Following Dr. Sandip Ghosh’s resignation amidst allegations of victim shaming, the Calcutta High Court mandated that the state provide him with protection. The court criticized the state’s decision to offer Dr. Ghosh a new position shortly after his resignation and emphasized the need for appropriate security measures.
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Next Hearing Scheduled
The court has requested that all parties file affidavits by Tuesday, with the next hearing scheduled for Wednesday. This timeline is set to ensure that all relevant information is reviewed and addressed promptly.
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AAP Calls for Harsh Punishment: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) asserts that the perpetrator must face the strictest possible punishment. They emphasize that criminal actions are not associated with any specific party, religion, or caste and that such tragic incidents should never occur. The party advocates for a thorough CBI investigation.
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Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Statement: Jitan Ram Manjhi, a Union Minister, describes the incident as a tragedy that should not have happened. He stresses that a criminal is not defined by their party affiliation, religion, or caste and calls for a CBI probe into the matter.
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General Strike in Siliguri: The Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) [SUCI (C)] has announced a 12-hour general strike in Siliguri in response to the incident.
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Union Minister Nityanand Rai's Criticism: Union Minister Nityanand Rai accuses Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of attempting to cover up the horrific crime, highlighting a perceived lack of accountability.
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Kriti Sanon’s Reaction: Actress Kriti Sanon comments on the rape-murder case involving a Kolkata doctor, expressing her belief that there is no fear among those who commit such heinous acts.
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Genelia Deshmukh’s Call for Justice: Actress Genelia Deshmukh demands capital punishment for the perpetrator of the Kolkata doctor’s rape, calling the offender a "monster" who deserves the death penalty.
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Hrithik Roshan Supports Victim's Family: Actor Hrithik Roshan expresses solidarity with the family of the victim, indicating his support during this difficult time.
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TMC Leader Shatrughan Sinha's Critique: TMC leader Shatrughan Sinha accuses the BJP of being eager to attack West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, framing the situation as a politically motivated effort.
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UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya’s Condemnation: Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya condemns the incident as "shameful for the country," criticizing the West Bengal government under Mamata Banerjee for its failure to address the crime adequately.
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Goa Medical College Protest
Resident doctors at Goa Medical College will commence their protest at 2 p.m. today. More than 1,000 doctors from both private and government hospitals in Goa will be on strike for 24 hours, starting August 17. During this period, outpatient department (OPD) services will be suspended.
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Delhi Protests by Resident Doctors' Associations
Resident Doctors' Associations (RDAs) in Delhi will hold a joint protest march on Friday. The march will start at 2 p.m. from Nirman Bhavan. This demonstration is in response to the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The RDAs have issued a press statement highlighting the need for justice.
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Protests in West Bengal
The Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) (SUCI) has organized road blockades and rallies throughout West Bengal as part of a 12-hour general strike. These protests are in reaction to the alleged rape and murder of a female doctor at a state-run hospital. SUCI activists have criticized the state government for failing to ensure the safety of medical professionals.
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Amritsar's Response
In a show of solidarity, interns and students at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar have announced a suspension of all non-essential and elective hospital services. This includes OPDs, operating theaters (OTs), and wards. The suspension will start on August 16 and continue until further notice, as declared by the Medical Student Association of Government Medical College, Amritsar.
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Indian Medical Association (IMA) Nationwide Strike
The Indian Medical Association has called for a 24-hour nationwide suspension of non-emergency medical services, beginning at 6 a.m. on August 17. This protest is in response to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, along with subsequent vandalism. Essential services and casualty wards will remain operational. In Pune, the Association of Hospitals, including all major city hospitals, will participate in this strike, halting elective services and OPDs for a day while maintaining emergency services.
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Protests in Kerala
The Kerala Medical Postgraduates Association (KMPGA), along with resident doctors associations from Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Dental PG Association, and House Surgeons Association, will observe a strike on Friday to demand justice for the victim.
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Protests in Tamil Nadu
At Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, doctors will protest by wearing black badges as a symbol of their dissent.
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Delhi's Junior Doctors and Medical Students
Junior doctors and medical students at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in Delhi are also participating in the protests, aligning with the nationwide call for action.
With inputs from agencies
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