The Supreme Court expressed deep concern over the West Bengal police's response to the vandalism at Kolkata's RG Kar hospital following the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor. The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, raised serious questions about the police’s actions, particularly the reports that officers had fled the scene when a violent mob attacked the hospital.
The case stems from the tragic incident where a young trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered, an event that has sparked outrage and protests across the nation. The anger boiled over on August 14, when a large mob stormed the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where the incident had occurred. The mob vandalized the hospital, creating chaos and terror among the medical staff, particularly the women doctors, who were reportedly targeted with threats.
During the Supreme Court hearing, senior advocate Aparajita Singh, representing a doctors' organization, detailed the terrifying ordeal faced by the women doctors during the attack. She highlighted how the mob not only vandalized the hospital but also returned later to threaten the female doctors, particularly those residing in the women's hostel. The threats were described as severe and gendered, instilling fear among the doctors, some of whom have been called back home by their worried families.
The most alarming revelation during the hearing was the claim that the police officers, instead of controlling the situation, had abandoned their posts and sought refuge in the hospital’s nurses' changing rooms. This alleged act of cowardice by the police was heavily criticized by the Chief Justice, who termed the situation as "very serious" and demanded accountability.
Chief Justice Chandrachud questioned Kapil Sibal, who was representing the West Bengal government, about the police's failure to protect the hospital and its staff. The Chief Justice was particularly skeptical of the explanation that 150 police officers were overwhelmed by a crowd of 7,000 people. He pointed out that the vandalism seemed to be carried out by a smaller group of 70-80 people and expressed disbelief that the police could not manage such a situation.
In response, Kapil Sibal assured the court that the state government was taking the necessary actions to address the situation and that further investigations were underway. However, the Chief Justice’s pointed questions underscored the gravity of the police’s failure to provide security in such a critical and sensitive situation, especially in a place as important as a hospital, where doctors are already under immense pressure.
The case has drawn significant public attention, not only due to the horrific nature of the crime against the trainee doctor but also because of the subsequent failures in maintaining law and order during the protests. The incident has raised broader concerns about the safety of medical professionals in India, particularly women, and the adequacy of police protection in times of crisis.
The Supreme Court's intervention signals the seriousness with which the judiciary is viewing the incident. The court's focus on the police's conduct during the mob attack suggests that there could be significant repercussions for those responsible for the alleged dereliction of duty. The court's remarks are likely to prompt a thorough review of the incident by the state authorities and could lead to more stringent measures being put in place to ensure the safety of hospital staff in the future.
This incident has also fueled ongoing debates about the state of law enforcement in India, especially in high-pressure situations involving large, agitated crowds. The Supreme Court's questioning has put a spotlight on the need for better training, preparedness, and accountability within the police force to handle such situations effectively, ensuring that public trust in law enforcement is not eroded further.
As the investigation continues and the court proceedings move forward, there is an expectation that this case will not only bring justice to the victim but also lead to systemic changes that can prevent such tragedies from happening again. The nation watches closely as the judicial system grapples with the implications of this deeply disturbing case, hoping for a resolution that ensures safety, accountability, and justice.
Â
