Protest Turns Violent at RG Kar Medical College: 9 Arrested in Kolkata
Kolkata was rocked by violent protests in the early hours of Thursday morning as chaos erupted at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The unrest followed a vigil held in response to the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor, a crime that has sent shockwaves throughout the city and beyond. The protest, which began peacefully late Wednesday night at RG Kar Medical College, quickly escalated into a full-blown riot, leading to the arrest of nine individuals and injuries to multiple police officers.
The Vigil That Sparked the Unrest
The vigil, titled “Women, Reclaim the Night,” was organized by women across Kolkata and various parts of the country, aiming to draw attention to the tragic death of the trainee doctor. Starting around 11 PM, the event was initially peaceful at RG Kar Medical College. However, tensions rose as the night wore on, culminating in a large group of protestors storming the hospital premises at around 1 AM. Eyewitnesses reported that the group, numbering between 500 to 1,000 people, forced their way into the RG Kar Medical College by breaking down gates, vandalizing property, and damaging public infrastructure.
A Night of Destruction: Hospital Property Vandalized
The situation quickly spiraled out of control, with protestors attacking vehicles, smashing computers, and even destroying CCTV cameras within the RG Kar Medical College. Pronoy Das, a security guard on duty during the incident, recounted the chaotic scene: “Around 1 AM, a huge crowd arrived. We locked the gates, but they broke them down. There were too many of them. We tried to secure another gate, but they broke that down too. They vandalized everything from computers to medicines and even damaged CCTV cameras.”
Faced with an overwhelming situation, the police were forced to resort to lathicharge and teargas to disperse the mob. Despite their efforts, fifteen police officers sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Kolkata Police Take Swift Action: Nine Arrested
In the aftermath of the violence, Kolkata Police launched a manhunt for those involved. They released photographs of individuals believed to be part of the mob, circulating the images on social media in a bid to identify and apprehend the culprits. By Thursday afternoon, nine people had been arrested in connection with the incident, though their identities have not yet been disclosed.
One of the protesters, Dr. Anubhav Mondal, claimed he was among those highlighted in the photographs released by the police. Defiant in the face of the arrests, Dr. Mondal stated, “Our protests will continue and grow stronger. Those who think they can intimidate us will fail. We demand justice at any cost. We want a neutral investigation monitored by the court.”
Misinformation and Official Responses
As the situation unfolded, social media became awash with claims that the seminar hall where the trainee doctor was raped and murdered had also been vandalized during the protest. However, Kolkata Police were quick to refute these allegations, emphasizing that the crime scene remained untouched and warning against the spread of unverified information. The police also indicated that they would pursue legal action against those responsible for disseminating false rumors.
Governor’s Visit and Ongoing Investigation
In light of the escalating tensions, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose visited RG Kar Medical College on Thursday to offer his support to the doctors and medical students affected by the recent events. Addressing their concerns, the Governor reassured them, saying, “I am with you. We will fight this and not allow such ghastly acts. We will take exemplary action.”
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the probe into the rape and murder case earlier this week, met with the victim’s family. The trainee doctor’s body was discovered last Friday, and an autopsy revealed that she had suffered multiple injuries before being smothered to death. Her parents have since petitioned the Calcutta High Court, claiming evidence of gang rape and calling for further arrests in connection with the case.
Conclusion: A City on Edge, Demanding Justice
As Kolkata grapples with the aftermath of this violent protest, the demand for justice for the trainee doctor’s murder has reached a fever pitch. The incident at RG Kar Medical College underscores the deep-seated anger and frustration felt by many in the city, who are calling for swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice. As the investigation continues, all eyes will be on the authorities to see how they handle this highly sensitive case and whether they can restore a sense of safety and security to a city that has been deeply shaken.
