Kolkata Police Enforce Section 163 Amid Protests Over Doctor’s Tragic Death at RG Kar Medical College
The Kolkata Police have enforced Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, around RG Kar Medical College and Hospital for seven days starting 18 August. This action follows protests against the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor.
In an order released on Saturday, Commissioner of Police Vineet Kumar Goyal stated that rallies, meetings, processions, dharnas, demonstrations, and the unlawful assembly of five or more persons are prohibited in the specified area of Kolkata. The order also bans carrying lathis, lethal or dangerous weapons, and any acts likely to cause a breach of peace and public disturbance.
The decision was based on credible information about potential violent demonstrations, rallies, and meetings that could endanger public safety and obstruct medical staff in the area. The tragic incident occurred on 9 August, leading to nationwide strikes and protests by the medical community. On Wednesday, a mob vandalized the protest ground and hospital campus at RG Kar, forcing security personnel to disperse the crowd.
Doubts Revealed
Kolkata Police -: Kolkata Police is the law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining law and order in the city of Kolkata, which is in the state of West Bengal, India.
Section 163 -: Section 163 is a part of a law called the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which is a set of rules to keep people safe. This section allows the police to control gatherings and prevent violence.
RG Kar Medical College -: RG Kar Medical College and Hospital is a well-known medical school and hospital in Kolkata where doctors are trained and patients are treated.
Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal -: Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal is a high-ranking police officer in charge of the Kolkata Police. He makes important decisions to keep the city safe.
Protests -: Protests are when people gather to show they are unhappy about something. In this case, people are protesting because a doctor was tragically hurt.
Postgraduate trainee doctor -: A postgraduate trainee doctor is someone who has finished medical school and is now getting more training in a hospital to become a specialist.
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 -: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, is a new set of laws in India designed to protect citizens and maintain public order.
Public disturbances -: Public disturbances are situations where people are causing trouble or chaos in public places, which can make it unsafe for others.