Kolkata: Senior officers of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) visited Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital this morning to conduct a recce. The CISF, known for guarding critical infrastructures such as airports and Parliament, has been tasked with overseeing security at the state-run hospital following the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor, which has shocked the nation.
K Pratap Singh, a senior CISF officer, spoke briefly to the media during the visit, stating, “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 CISF’s involvement comes after the Supreme Court expressed concern over the city police’s response when a mob stormed the hospital in the early hours of August 15. The mob damaged medical equipment and supplies on two floors during a ‘reclaim the night’ protest held in Kolkata and other cities, demanding justice for the murdered doctor.
The Supreme Court questioned the state’s preparedness to handle the incident of vandalism. The court noted that many doctors had left the hospital campus after the August 15 violence, emphasizing the need to create a safe environment for their return so they could continue treating patients. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that central forces would now guard the hospital premises, a move to which Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, raised no objection.
Meanwhile, protests continue at the hospital, with demonstrators demanding justice for the victim.
Ex-Principal Sandip Ghosh Under Scrutiny
Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, appeared at the CBI office in Kolkata this morning for the sixth round of questioning related to the investigation into the heinous crime. Mr. Ghosh, who has been scrutinized for his handling of the situation after the doctor’s body was discovered in a seminar hall on August 9, has so far been questioned for a total of 64 hours over the past five days. He declined to answer questions from the media.
In a separate development, the Bengal government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of financial irregularities during Sandip Ghosh’s tenure as principal of the institution.
Three Officers Suspended Over Vandalism
In response to the Supreme Court’s remarks on the police’s handling of the mob attack, the West Bengal government has suspended three officers connected to the incident of vandalism at the hospital. This move comes as the state seeks to address the criticisms regarding its response to the violence.