25 Arrested After Mob Vandalizes RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata

On August 14, a mob caused significant damage at the RG Kar Hospital campus in Kolkata, West Bengal. The mob vandalized the protest site, vehicles, and public property, prompting security officials to intervene. As of now, 25 people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Police and Public Response

The Kolkata Police shared updates on social media, stating that four more suspects were identified by netizens, and the search for the remaining suspects is ongoing. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Left and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of collaborating to create unrest in the state. She claimed that the mob was not connected to the student movement at RG Kar Medical College but were outsiders, including BJP supporters.

Police Praised for Restraint

Chief Minister Banerjee praised the police for their restraint during the incident, noting that some officers were injured and required medical attention. She stated that the case is now in the hands of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Rape and Murder Case

The incident occurred amid ongoing protests over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The CBI is investigating the case, and four doctors have been summoned for interrogation. Accused Sanjoy Roy was also brought out for a medical examination. Protests have intensified across the nation, with junior doctors and medical students at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad joining in.

Clarification from Kolkata Police

The Kolkata Police clarified that the crime scene of the rape and murder had not been disturbed during the vandalism. They warned against spreading unverified news and stated that legal action would be taken against those spreading rumors.

Political Reactions

West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar alleged that the vandalism was an attempt to destroy evidence and criticized the Trinamool Congress-led government for failing to maintain law and order.