Centre Seeks Regular Law And Order Updates From States Amid Doctors' Protests

The Union Home Ministry has issued a directive requiring state police forces to send law and order situation reports every two hours amid the ongoing protests by doctors and nursing staff following the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

Starting at 4 pm on Friday, police are instructed to provide updates to the MHA control room in New Delhi through fax, email, or WhatsApp.

Photo Credit: PTI

The notification from the ministry states, "Regarding two hourly law and order situation reports. The competent authority has desired to monitor the law and order situation report of your state/UT against the murder of a trainee woman doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. Henceforth, a continuous two-hourly law and order situation report in this regard may kindly be sent to the MHA control room."

The incident, which occurred on August 9, involved the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor while she was on duty at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

A Kolkata Police civic volunteer was arrested in connection with the crime the following day, and the Calcutta High Court has since transferred the case to the CBI.

Protests have erupted across the country, with medical staff demanding a central law to prevent violence against healthcare workers and ensure mandatory safety measures.

During a protest on Wednesday night, a mob vandalised parts of the hospital.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) organized a 24-hour strike, leading to nationwide disruptions in OPD services.

In response, the Union government announced on Saturday the formation of a committee to propose safety measures for healthcare professionals.

The Union Health Ministry stated that the committee would include representatives from all stakeholders, including state governments, to gather suggestions.