In the wake of intense protests against the horrific rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, the Kolkata Police have taken a strict step to maintain law and order. Starting today, 18 August 2024, a seven-day ban on gatherings has been enforced near the hospital. This decision has come as part of the authorities’ effort to prevent any further unrest in the area.
The ban has been implemented under Section 163 of the newly introduced Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which has replaced the older Section 144 of the CrPC. The order was issued by Kolkata’s Commissioner of Police, Vineet Kumar Goyal, who emphasized the need to curb any form of public gathering, including rallies, meetings, processions, and demonstrations, especially in the vicinity of the hospital.
The Commissioner’s order clearly states that the prohibition will remain in effect for seven days, from 18 August to 24 August 2024. It highlights the risks posed by the ongoing protests, which could disturb public peace, threaten the safety of the hospital staff, and create an unsafe environment for the patients and residents in the area.
The tragic incident, which occurred on 9 August 2024, has sent shockwaves across the nation. The young doctor’s brutal rape and murder have ignited widespread outrage, particularly within the medical community. Protests have erupted not just in Kolkata but across various parts of the country, demanding justice and safety for doctors and medical professionals.
Earlier this week, tensions escalated further when a mob vandalized the protest site and the premises of R G Kar Medical College. The situation became so volatile that security forces had to step in to disperse the crowd, preventing further damage and potential injuries.
ALSO READ: “Mamata’s Protest, Nation Cries Out For Real Justice And Accountability”
Despite these measures, there is growing frustration among the public, especially concerning the response of the West Bengal government. Critics have accused the state government of failing to ensure the safety of its citizens, particularly women, and professionals working in sensitive sectors like healthcare. The government’s handling of the situation has been widely condemned, with many questioning why such a heinous crime was allowed to happen in the first place and why the authorities are now clamping down on peaceful protests instead of addressing the root causes of the issue.
As the ban on gatherings continues, many are calling for stronger action from the government of West Bengal, demanding accountability and immediate steps to ensure that such tragedies do not occur in the future. The situation remains tense, and the coming days will be crucial in determining how the state responds to this growing crisis.
Comments