Centre Challenges Mamata Govt In Supreme Court Over CISF Deployment At RG Kar Hospital

The Centre has reported to the Supreme Court regarding the operational challenges faced by CISF personnel deployed at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

The Centre has approached the Supreme Court regarding the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This move comes after the Supreme Court's order on August 20, following a mob attack on August 14-15.

The Centre alleges that CISF personnel are facing significant challenges due to a lack of accommodation, security gadgets, and transportation.

Deployment Issues at RG Kar Hospital

The Supreme Court had mandated the deployment of CISF personnel at RG Kar Hospital after a violent incident on August 14-15. During this attack, a mob vandalised various parts of the hospital, including the emergency department, nursing station, and medicine store. CCTV cameras were damaged, and a stage where junior doctors were protesting was ransacked.

In response to these events, the West Bengal assembly passed the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024'. This legislation proposes capital punishment for those convicted of rape if their actions result in death or leave the victim in a vegetative state.

Supreme Court's Expectations

The Supreme Court expressed its expectation that the state machinery would be deployed to prevent further breaches of law and order following the brutal incident. The court emphasised that it was crucial to ensure security as investigations into the crime within the hospital premises were ongoing. The court stated, "We are unable to comprehend how the State was not prepared to deal with the incident of vandalisation of the premises of the hospital."

The Centre has criticised what it describes as non-cooperation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal. According to PTI reports, this alleged lack of cooperation is seen as indicative of a broader systemic issue.

Mob Attack Details

The mob attack occurred at midnight when they stormed RG Kar Hospital. This followed an earlier tragic event where a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was raped and murdered on August 9. The aftermath saw widespread protests across the nation.

Despite these challenges, CISF personnel continue their duties under difficult conditions. The Centre's plea highlights issues such as inadequate accommodation and insufficient security gadgets for CISF personnel stationed at RG Kar Hospital.

The situation remains tense as both state and central authorities navigate these complex issues. Ensuring safety and maintaining law and order at RG Kar Hospital is paramount during this period of heightened sensitivity.