Kolkata: West Bengal Governor Visits RG Kar Hospital, Promises 'Positive Action' Against Mob Attack

Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has promised "positive action... which will be exemplary for others" against those responsible for vandalising the RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.

The incident occurred during protests against the rape and murder of a junior doctor on campus last week.

Photo Credit: PTI

The Governor met with doctors from various state-run institutions, who expressed their concerns about safety following the violence.

The doctors, mostly women, conveyed that they felt "insecure," "traumatised and terrorised," prompting Bose to assure them of his support, stating, "I am with you. We will fight it out and not allow these ghastly things."

The delegation informed the Governor that the mob sought to destroy evidence related to the 31-year-old doctor's murder. The autopsy revealed severe injuries to her genitals, hands, and legs, with shards of glass found in one eye.

Her death has sparked widespread protests, leading to the 'reclaim the night' movement, where tens of thousands, mainly women, gathered in public spaces across cities like Kolkata and Delhi, demanding safety for women.

The protests in Kolkata turned violent when a mob stormed RG Kar Hospital, pelting stones and injuring policemen. Despite efforts by officials to block the mob, they were unsuccessful, leading the police to resort to tear gas and lathi charges to control the situation.

However, police have clarified that the crime scene remained untouched, countering social media rumors, and warning of legal action against those spreading false information.

"Crime scene has not been touched. Don't spread unverified news..." the police said on X (formerly Twitter).

Kolkata Police chief Vineet Goyal, who was present during the mob attack, accused the media of conducting a "malicious campaign" that eroded public trust in the police.

"Because of a malicious media campaign, Kolkata Police lost the trust of the people," he stated, denying any mishandling of the investigation by his officers.

So far, nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence. Governor Bose, who has had frequent public clashes with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government, mentioned "alleged connivance of the police" in the matter.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court has transferred the investigation to the CBI, following a petition by the doctor's parents, who have accused hospital authorities and the police of negligence.

The police have strongly refuted these allegations, asserting that their investigation has adhered to all protocols.