In response to the recent vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, three police officers, including two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), have been suspended. The incident occurred last week when a mob stormed the hospital following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, leading to widespread outrage and protests across the city.
Incident Details
The vandalism took place shortly after the horrific rape and murder of the trainee doctor in the seminar hall of the state-run hospital. The mob, angered by the crime, forced its way into the hospital, damaging the emergency department, nursing station, and medicine store. The violence unfolded amid ongoing midnight protests by women in Kolkata, demanding justice and improved safety for women.
Police and Court Reactions
The Kolkata Police’s handling of the situation has come under severe criticism. Both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court reprimanded the police for their inability to control the mob and protect the hospital, which was an active crime scene.
An official confirmed the suspension of three police officers, stating, “Three officers have been suspended… Two are assistant police commissioners and one is an inspector.”
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, raised concerns over the police’s actions, including the delay in filing the FIR, the late handover of the victim’s body to her family, and the failure to protect women and doctors during the mob attack. The Court highlighted that denying women the right to work safely is a violation of their right to equality.
Further Developments
The Court also criticised the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, for attempting to misrepresent the murder as a suicide. The victim’s post-mortem report revealed severe injuries and confirmed sexual assault, leading to widespread protests by doctors across the country.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court urged doctors to call off their agitation, assuring them that their demands would be addressed and action would be taken against those responsible for the tragic incident.