Kolkata Hospital Faces Vandalism in Wake of Doctor's Murder; Police Use Teargas

Unidentified individuals broke into RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata early Thursday morning, vandalising parts of the facility where a woman doctor's body was found last week. The incident occurred during midnight protests by women against the rape and murder of the doctor at the hospital.

Protests and Vandalism

The protests, part of the Reclaim the Night campaign, began at 11.55 pm on Independence Day and spread across various locations, including key landmarks in Kolkata. According to police, around 40 people, allegedly disguised as protestors, entered the hospital premises, damaged property, and threw stones at police officers. This prompted the police to use teargas to disperse the crowd.

Police Response and Injuries

Several police officers were injured during the violence. A police vehicle and a few two-wheelers were also damaged. "We have an adequate number of personnel posted outside the hospital, and they have been instructed to tackle the situation accordingly," a senior officer of Kolkata Police stated.

Political Reactions

Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee spoke with Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, urging him to ensure that those responsible for the violence are identified and held accountable within 24 hours. "The hooliganism and vandalism at RG Kar tonight have exceeded all acceptable limits," Banerjee said in a post on X.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused TMC goons of carrying out the vandalism under orders from Mamata Banerjee. "Mamata Banerjee has sent her TMC goons to the apolitical Protest Rally near RG Kar Medical College and Hospital," Adhikari alleged in a post on X. He also claimed that the miscreants were given safe passage by the police to destroy crucial evidence.

Background of the Incident

The protests were sparked by the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last week. The semi-naked body of the 32-year-old woman was discovered on August 9 in the seminar hall of the hospital. A civic volunteer has been arrested in connection with this crime.

Investigation Transfer

On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court ordered that the investigation be transferred from Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This decision came amid growing public outrage and demands for justice for the deceased doctor.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal arrived at the scene around 2 am to assess the situation. The authorities are working to restore order and ensure that those responsible for both the crime and subsequent violence are brought to justice.