In an act of violence, a politically motivated mob descended upon R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, last night, leaving destruction in its wake. The attack, which appeared to be premeditated, saw the mob target key buildings, including the emergency department, boys’ and girls’ hostels both inside and outside the campus. The scale of the violence has left the entire college community in shock, with many questioning how such an event could unfold without prior warning or intervention.
A Night of Terror
Students and staff described the night as terrifying, with the mob arriving in trucks, armed with tear gas, rocks, and other weapons. As they rampaged through the campus, they destroyed property and injured several individuals, including doctors. In a particularly disturbing turn of events, some male attackers reportedly issued rape threats to female students, adding to the chaos and fear.
“The situation was horrifying,” one student recounted. “We were told to seek shelter in any nearby hostel, regardless of gender, just to stay safe. It was a complete breakdown of order.”
Government and Police Inaction
The response from authorities has been widely criticized. Despite the presence of police officers on duty at the hospital premises, their actions were insufficient to prevent the mob from wreaking havoc. Many believe the police could have at least called for proper backup or taken measures to apprehend the attackers as they attempted to flee.
“It’s shocking that at 2 AM, when it’s difficult to gather even a few friends for coffee, a thousand people could arrive in trucks without someone powerful organizing it,” said a distraught student. “How could the police not anticipate or prevent this? They utterly failed in their duty.”
Questions Remain Unanswered
As of now, only nine individuals have been arrested, a figure that pales in comparison to the number of people involved in the violence. This has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the police’s response and their commitment to holding the perpetrators accountable.
The students and faculty are demanding answers. “What was the motive behind this attack, and who organized it?” asked one student. “A top police officer’s only response has been to blame the media for dramatizing the situation, which is unacceptable. There needs to be accountability, starting with his resignation.”
The Aftermath
The attack has left the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital community devastated, with extensive damage to property and a lingering sense of fear and insecurity. The students, faculty, and staff are calling for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
In the aftermath, the college’s future remains uncertain. What was once a place of learning and growth now lies in ruins, with the community grappling with the reality of what has happened. The government and police must answer for their failure to protect the campus and its residents, and steps must be taken to ensure such an event never occurs again.