Chaos broke out at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital early Thursday morning as unidentified miscreants, disguised as protestors, vandalized portions of the medical facility. The violence erupted during a protest against the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor last week. The incident saw nearly 40 individuals causing significant property damage and attacking police officers, prompting a teargas response from law enforcement.
The horrifying incident that sparked the protests occurred last week when a 32-year-old woman doctor was raped and murdered while on duty at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Her semi-naked body was discovered on August 9 in the hospital’s seminar hall, sending shockwaves across Kolkata and prompting widespread outrage.
The protests, initially peaceful, escalated into violence shortly after midnight when a group of masked individuals infiltrated the hospital premises. According to police reports, the miscreants damaged hospital property and pelted stones at the police, leading to injuries among several officers. A police vehicle and a few two-wheelers were also damaged in the violence.
In response to the escalating situation, the police fired teargas to disperse the mob. Despite the presence of an adequate number of police personnel stationed outside the hospital, the situation rapidly deteriorated, necessitating the intervention of senior officials. Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal arrived at the scene around 2 AM to assess the situation and restore order.
The incident has quickly become a political flashpoint, with leaders from various parties exchanging accusations. Trinamool Congress (TMC) general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee condemned the violence and called for swift action against those responsible. In a statement, Banerjee said, “The hooliganism and vandalism at RG Kar tonight have exceeded all acceptable limits. As a public representative, I just spoke with the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata. The demands of the protesting doctors are fair and justified. Their safety and security must be prioritized.”
On the other hand, BJP leader and leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the vandalism was orchestrated by “TMC goons” sent by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Adhikari took to social media, accusing the Chief Minister of hatching a “cunning plan” to disrupt the apolitical protest rally. He claimed that the miscreants were given safe passage by the police to enter the hospital premises and destroy crucial evidence related to the ongoing investigation.
The Calcutta High Court recently ordered the transfer of the investigation into the doctor’s murder from Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The move came after mounting public pressure and allegations of political interference in the probe. A civic volunteer has been arrested in connection with the crime, but the case has drawn significant public attention and demands for a thorough investigation.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of the violence at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the focus now shifts to ensuring justice for the slain doctor and accountability for those responsible for the unrest. The situation remains tense, with many calling for greater security measures to protect the rights and safety of medical professionals in the state.