On August 20, the Supreme Court ordered the deployment of CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) personnel at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. This decision came in response to a violent mob attack that occurred on August 14-15. The central government has now moved the Supreme Court against the West Bengal government led by Mamata Banerjee, alleging several issues with the deployment.
Challenges Faced by CISF Personnel
According to reports, the CISF personnel deployed at RG Kar Hospital are struggling with various issues. These include inadequate accommodation, a lack of security equipment, and insufficient transportation. The Centre has expressed frustration, claiming that the West Bengal government’s non-cooperation is a sign of a deeper systemic issue.
Supreme Court’s Order and Government Response
The Supreme Court’s order on August 20 came after a mob attack led to significant damage at the hospital. This attack included vandalism of the emergency department, the nursing station, and the medicine store. The Supreme Court has directed the West Bengal government to cooperate fully with the CISF to ensure compliance with the court’s order, warning of potential contempt proceedings for non-compliance.
Background of the Incident
The violent incident at RG Kar Hospital was triggered by a tragic event on August 9, when a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered. The mob’s actions on August 14-15 included attacking the emergency services and destroying CCTV cameras. This chaos added to the already tense atmosphere surrounding the hospital.
State’s Responsibility
The Supreme Court highlighted that the West Bengal government was expected to provide adequate security measures following the attack. The Court questioned how the state could be unprepared for the vandalism that occurred within the hospital’s premises, especially while an investigation was ongoing.
Legislative Response to Violence
In response to the rising violence and attacks, the West Bengal assembly recently passed the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024’. This bill proposes capital punishment for individuals convicted of rape if the victim dies or is left in a vegetative state.