CISF Tasked with Security at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College Amidst Protests

GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 21st August. Top officers of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) arrived at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata this morning to assess the security situation. The paramilitary force has been tasked with taking over the security arrangements at the state-run hospital following a shocking incident of vandalism that occurred in the aftermath of the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor, an incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation.

Senior CISF officer K Pratap Singh, who led the team, told the media, “Let us do our job. We have come here for some assignment. Let us finish our work, then senior officers will brief you. I am doing my job mandated by higher authorities.”

The deployment of CISF comes after the Supreme Court raised concerns yesterday about the city police’s response to the mob violence that erupted at the hospital on August 15. A mob had stormed the hospital, damaging medical equipment and supplies on two floors, during a ‘reclaim the night’ protest held in Kolkata and several other cities to demand justice for the murdered doctor.

The Supreme Court expressed its inability to understand why the State was unprepared for the mob attack. The court also noted that most doctors had left the hospital campus following the August 15 violence. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that central forces would now guard the premises, while Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, raised no objections.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, protests continue as people demand justice for the victim. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, was summoned to the CBI’s office in Kolkata this morning for his sixth round of questioning in connection with the investigation into the crime. Ghosh, whose actions after the discovery of the doctor’s body on August 9 have been heavily scrutinized, declined to comment to the media.

According to CBI officials, Sandip Ghosh has been questioned for a total of 64 hours over the past five days.

Additionally, the West Bengal government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of financial irregularities during Ghosh’s tenure as principal. The state government, facing criticism after the Supreme Court’s remarks, has suspended three police officers in connection with the vandalism. The suspended officers include two Assistant Police Commissioners and one inspector, with further investigations ongoing.

The central force’s involvement and ongoing investigations aim to restore safety and order at the hospital, allowing medical professionals to return to their duties and continue treating patients in a secure environment.