The Central Government has approached the Supreme Court, accusing the West Bengal Government of failing to cooperate with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) assigned to ensure security at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. This hospital was the scene of a grievous incident where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) described the state government’s alleged non-cooperation as “unpardonable” and indicative of a “systemic malaise” within the administration of the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led state. The MHA has requested the Supreme Court to mandate the West Bengal authorities to provide full logistical support to the CISF to safeguard the hospital premises, including the hostels housing resident doctors.
The escalation to the Supreme Court follows an August 20 directive from the court, which reacted to the “horrific” crime at the medical institution by setting up a 10-member National Task Force (NTF). This task force is responsible for developing a comprehensive protocol to enhance the safety and security of healthcare professionals nationwide.
Additionally, the Supreme Court had previously addressed concerns regarding mob violence at the same hospital and allegations of the local police’s inadequate response during the crisis. It had mandated the deployment of CISF personnel not only to stabilize the situation but also to facilitate the return of striking doctors to work.
In its application, the MHA emphasized the critical need for CISF deployment to secure not only the medical facilities but also the residential areas of healthcare workers.
