In a dramatic turn of events, Suvendu Adhikari, a former Trinamool Congress (TMC) member who has since emerged as a key leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has made serious allegations regarding an attack on a hospital in Kolkata. Adhikari claimed that an ‘unruly’ mob attempted to breach the girls’ hostel at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital late at night, causing a significant security breach.
Alleged Midnight Attack and Police Response
According to Adhikari, the incident occurred at midnight, with the mob allegedly attempting to force their way into the girls’ hostel. He highlighted that the police officers stationed at the hospital were reportedly so intimidated by the situation that they sought refuge inside toilets. “In a display of ‘perversity,’ the ‘unruly’ mob also tried to enter the girls’ hostel at midnight when the policemen ‘took refuge inside the toilets,’” Adhikari stated, underscoring the severity of the incident.
Call for Central Armed Paramilitary Forces
In response to the attack, Adhikari has reached out to top officials, including Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He has urged them to deploy Central Armed Paramilitary Forces to the hospital to prevent further destruction of evidence and to ensure the safety of those involved in the ongoing investigation and protests. “I have written to the Hon’ble Home Secretary; Ministry of Home Affairs; Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Hon’ble Director, Central Bureau of Investigation regarding the vandalism that took place at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital and requested them to deploy Central Armed Paramilitary Forces to prevent further destruction of evidence at R G Kar,” Adhikari added.
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Context of the Attack: ‘Reclaim the Night’ Campaign
The attack on the hospital comes in the wake of widespread protests across West Bengal. Women in Kolkata and other cities launched the ‘Reclaim the Night’ campaign at 11:55 PM on Wednesday, just hours before India’s 78th Independence Day. The campaign was organized in response to the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor, an incident that has shocked the nation and ignited calls for greater safety and justice for women.
CBI Takes Over Investigation
Amidst growing concerns about the impartiality and effectiveness of local authorities, the Calcutta High Court has directed the CBI to assume control of the investigation from the Kolkata Police. The involvement of the CBI is expected to introduce a new level of scrutiny and rigor into the case, which has already provoked widespread public outcry and demands for accountability.
The situation remains tense as the investigation continues and as both local and national authorities work to address the demands of the public and ensure justice for the victim.
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