Kolkata Doctor’s Rape-Murder: Protests, Public Gatherings And Rallies Banned Near RG Kar Hospital

Prohibitory orders have been implemented around Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital for seven days, following intense protests over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor.

The Kolkata Police, invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, announced the restrictions starting from August 18. During this period, public gatherings, rallies, and demonstrations are banned in the vicinity of the hospital.

The order, issued by Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal, prohibits the assembly of five or more people, the carrying of weapons, and any acts that could disturb public peace within the specified area. These measures have been taken to prevent any further escalation of tensions as the country witnesses widespread outrage.

The tragic incident has sparked protests nationwide, with junior doctors and medical students across major cities, including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, demanding swift justice and security reforms.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention, pushing for significant improvements in the working and living conditions of resident doctors, as well as enhanced safety measures at hospitals.

Among the IMA’s demands are the declaration of hospitals as safe zones and a comprehensive law to protect healthcare workers from violence.

The Union Health Ministry has responded by announcing the formation of a committee to devise strategies for safeguarding healthcare professionals.

Meanwhile, investigations continue into the August 9th crime, which took place at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In a disturbing turn, vandals entered the hospital premises on Thursday and caused damage to the facility, further adding to the tensions surrounding the case.

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