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Due to the unexpected, unjustifiable and unpardonable acts of the State Government, the CISF personnel are unable to perform their duty without any inconvenience, court has been told.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has approached Supreme Court of India over the State of West Bengal's non-cooperation with the CISF personnel deployed at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital as per the top court's order.
In the alternative, it has been sought that contempt proceedings be initiated against the concerned officials/authorities of the State of West Bengal for willful non-compliance of the top court's orders.
It is the MHA's case that no accommodation or security gadget has been provided by the Kolkata Police to the CISF personnel deployed at the RG Kar Hospital.
Notably, CISF has deployed 2 companies each having a strength of 92 (total 184 personnel of various ranks) including 54 female personnel under the command of 01 Lady Officer in three shifts with effect from 22nd August, 2024 at the R.G. Kar Medical College.
"...this non-cooperation is not expected from a State Government in a tense situation such as the present one. The safety of doctors and women doctors in particular, must be the top priority for the State of West Bengal. It is submitted that the inaction of the State of West Bengal, despite repeated requests, is symptomatic of a systemic malaise wherein such non-cooperation with Central Agencies operating under Court orders, is the norm...", the application filed by MHA states.
Due to lack of accommodation, MHA states the troops are presently staying at CISF Unit SMP, Kolkata despite the constraints being faced by the accommodating unit and their traveling time from SMP Kolkata to R G Kar Hospital is nearly 01-hour from one side and it is difficult to discharge duties effectively and to mobilize CISF troops to duly and promptly respond during contingencies.
Top court took suo motu cognizance of the incident from August 9, 2024 where a young doctor working at a medical college in Kolkata was brutally raped and murdered.
Recently, a letter petition had also been filed addressing the Chief Justice of India asking him to take suo moto cognizance of this case and issue directions for an immediate and impartial investigation into the attacks on doctors protesting against the incident at the R.G. Kar Medical College.
"The recent incidents reveal a critical gap in ensuring the safety of women, particularly in sectors with a high representation of female employees, such as the medical field. Women constitute a significant portion of the workforce in healthcare as doctors, nurses, receptionists, and other roles. They often work long hours and face unique challenges that require special attention to ensure their safety..", the court has been told.
It is to be noted that Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun investigating the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata, following the Calcutta High Court's decision to transfer the case to CBI due to the lack of progress in the state police's investigation and suspicion of evidence tampering.
The victim was found dead in a seminar hall at the hospital last Friday. The CBI has registered an FIR, building on the initial police report, which includes charges of rape and murder.
Case Title: In Re Alleged Rape and Murder of Trainee Doctor in RG Kar Medical College Hospital, Kolkata and related issues
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