West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose announced the launch of a mobile control room at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday, allowing citizens to share their views directly with his office. This move comes in response to the ongoing protests triggered by the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata.
Calling the incident one of society’s "most shameful moments," Governor Bose stated that West Bengal is currently in a "state of unrest" and suggested that the public has "lost confidence in the current government."
The incident took place on August 9 when a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty at the hospital. This tragic event has sparked widespread anger, leading to a prolonged strike by junior doctors in state-run hospitals across West Bengal.
Protests and Impact As of Tuesday, the doctors' protest has entered its 12th day, significantly disrupting healthcare services across the state. The protesting doctors are demanding justice for the victim and pressing for improved security measures in hospitals to prevent similar incidents in the future.
CBI Takes Over Investigation In the wake of the crime, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation from the Kolkata Police, following an order from the Calcutta High Court last week. A civic volunteer has already been arrested for his suspected involvement in the crime.
The Governor's office issued a statement confirming that Governor Bose personally reached out to the father of the deceased doctor through the mobile control room, offering his condolences and assuring the family of his full support.
Governor Bose is also expected to submit a report on the matter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah later on Tuesday.
Supreme Court's Involvement The Supreme Court of India has taken suo moto cognisance of the case, raising questions about the handling of the investigation by Kolkata Police and the authorities at RG Kar Hospital. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, has ordered the CBI to submit a progress report on the investigation by Thursday.
Supreme Court Sets up National Task Force to Enhance Safety for Doctors Following Kolkata Tragedy
Resident doctors' strike continues, patients in hospitals do not expect relief