The Calcutta High Court has raised serious concerns regarding the West Bengal government's actions surrounding the RG Kar Hospital, where a trainee doctor was tragically raped and murdered. The court questioned the urgency behind the government's decision to initiate renovation work near the seminar hall in the hospital's emergency building, suspecting that it might have been an attempt to destroy crucial evidence from the crime scene.
During a hearing on Friday, the court directed the Mamata Banerjee-led government to respond to allegations that the demolition work was deliberately carried out to compromise the integrity of the crime scene. The state government's counsel, however, denied these accusations, claiming that the renovation was undertaken to construct a much-needed washroom for doctors in the vicinity. The counsel argued that the demolition work was not conducted near the actual location of the crime, insisting that the site where the incident occurred remained untouched.
Despite these assurances, Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam expressed skepticism about the timing of the renovation, particularly the apparent urgency with which it was carried out. He questioned the necessity of providing a restroom within such a short time frame, highlighting the dire conditions of restrooms in district court complexes as an example of more pressing needs that have gone unaddressed. The Chief Justice's remarks suggested a broader critique of public infrastructure maintenance and questioned the prioritization of resources in this specific instance.
The High Court also criticized the state government for what it termed as an "absolute failure" of the state machinery in handling the situation at RG Kar Hospital, particularly in light of the vandalism that occurred on the premises. On the eve of Independence Day, a violent mob stormed the hospital, causing significant damage to the emergency ward, a ward on the first floor, and the ENT department on the second floor. However, according to the Kolkata Police, the crime scene on the third floor remained undisturbed during the chaos.
In response to these events, the High Court issued a stern warning to the state government, suggesting that it might consider ordering the relocation of patients to another facility and potentially shutting down RG Kar Medical College if the situation is not addressed adequately. The court underscored the state's responsibility to maintain order, pointing out that the failure to anticipate and prevent such a large gathering at the hospital was inexcusable.
To substantiate its claims, the court instructed the state government to file an affidavit accompanied by photographic evidence proving that the crime scene remains intact. This directive reflects the court's intention to thoroughly scrutinize the government's actions and ensure that justice is not compromised. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on August 21, where the court will consider the state's response and any additional evidence presented.
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