In a stark rebuke of the Kolkata police for their handling of the aftermath of a trainee doctor's rape and murder, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to take over the security of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The move came after a mob systematically attacked doctors and medical staff at the facility on August 15, prompting over 700 doctors to leave out of safety concerns. The court also constituted a 10-member task force to formulate a national protocol for the safety of doctors and facilities at hospitals.
Supreme Court Orders CISF to Take Over Security of Kolkata Medical College After Mob Attack
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court directed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to assume security responsibilities for the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. This unprecedented move followed a mob attack on doctors and medical staff at the facility on August 15, which resulted in the departure of over 700 doctors due to safety concerns.
Background:
On August 15, a 26-year-old trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered in the hospital's labour room by a group of unidentified men. The incident sparked outrage across the country and raised serious questions about the safety of medical professionals in India.
In the aftermath of the attack, the Kolkata Police faced criticism for their handling of the situation. Protesters alleged that the police failed to respond promptly to the incident and subsequently allowed a mob to enter the hospital and attack medical staff.
Supreme Court Intervention:
The Supreme Court took suo motu (on its own motion) cognizance of the incident and expressed deep concern over the deteriorating safety situation at hospitals in India. In a scathing rebuke of the Kolkata Police, the court directed the CISF and CRPF to take over security at the medical college immediately.
The court also constituted a 10-member task force to formulate a national protocol for the safety of doctors and facilities at hospitals. The task force, led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Asok Kumar Ganguly, will submit its report within six weeks.
FAQs:
1. Why did the Supreme Court order the CISF to take over security at RG Kar Medical College? Answer: The Supreme Court directed the CISF to take over security due to the Kolkata Police's failure to prevent a mob attack on the hospital following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor.
2. What are the responsibilities of the CISF and CRPF at the medical college? Answer: The CISF and CRPF will be responsible for maintaining law and order, securing the hospital premises, and protecting doctors and medical staff.
3. What is the purpose of the national protocol for hospital safety? Answer: The national protocol will establish guidelines and standards for the safety of hospitals and medical professionals in India. It aims to prevent similar incidents in the future.
4. Has there been a similar incident of mob violence at a hospital in India before? Answer: Yes, in 2019, a mob attacked a hospital in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, after a patient died during treatment. The attack led to the resignation of several doctors and raised concerns about the safety of medical professionals in the country.
5. What other measures are being taken to improve hospital safety in India? Answer: The government has announced plans to install CCTV cameras and panic buttons in hospitals and to increase the number of police personnel deployed at medical facilities.
Karnataka, known for its thriving tech industry, is proposing a bill that aims to address the spread of fake news and misinformation online. However, free speech activists are raising concerns about potential censorship and selective enforcement. The bill has not yet defined what constitutes as "fake news" or "anti-feminist" content, raising fears of potential misuse. The state government has stated that the bill will be open for public opinion before implementation.
Pope Leo XIV took time out of his busy schedule to visit children at the Vatican's summer camp and share some inspirational words. He emphasized themes of diversity, acceptance, and building bridges of friendship. The pontiff also encouraged the children to be advocates for peace and to see everyone as equals.
At the Saryu Jayanti Mahotsav in Ayodhya, CM Yogi Adityanath announced a plan to revive rivers by preventing sewage, drain discharge, and animal waste. He stressed the importance of rivers for the environment and agriculture and highlighted the economic benefits of clean rivers for tourism and local economies. The CM urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of this initiative, emphasizing the link between river health and the well-being of communities.
The cyber crime division of Bengaluru South has registered a case against Ateeq Shariff and the administrator of 'Mangalore Muslims' for posting derogatory content against one of the judges of the Karnataka High Court hearing the hijab case. The judge in question is part of a three-judge bench formed after Muslim girls were denied entry to college for wearing hijab. This comes amidst tension and communal strife over the government order banning certain clothing on educational campuses.
A viral video posted on social media has sparked outrage as former MP Rajan Vichare from Shiv Sena (UBT) is seen beating traders for not speaking in Marathi. This incident raises concerns about the safety of the business community in Maharashtra. This comes after a similar incident where MNS workers attacked a restaurant owner for not using Marathi, leading to the business community shutting down shops in protest. Traders across the state express fear for their safety and condemn such incidents that are detrimental to communal harmony and business sentiment.
Delhi has made history as the first Indian state to receive final clearance from the DGCA for conducting cloud seeding trials, a long-awaited solution to the city's severe air pollution problem. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the development, calling it a major step forward in Delhi's fight against air pollution. Cloud seeding involves dispersing particles to encourage rainfall and wash out pollutants from the atmosphere, and has been spoken about for years but never implemented. As Delhi faces a fuel ban on older vehicles, this clearance provides a glimmer of hope for cleaner air in the future.
The Devendra Fadnavis-led government in Maharashtra has revoked government resolutions that made Hindi mandatory as the third language in primary schools, following widespread protests and opposition from various political parties, including estranged Thackeray cousins Shiv Sena and MNS. However, questions have been raised about the timing and motives behind the government's decision, with the BJP accused of trying to impose Hindi on students. This move has also sparked a heated debate on the status of Hindi in Maharashtra, a state with a large Hindi-speaking population in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
In an effort to combat rising drug abuse rates, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced the implementation of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign) in all medical colleges across India. Along with this, the NMC has also requested the formation of drug-free hostel committees, a schedule of activities, and awareness programs for students, faculty, and staff. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the NMC, is also planning to launch Tobacco Cessation Centres in all medical colleges to help individuals quit tobacco consumption and reduce tobacco-related diseases.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued detailed guidelines for All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), medical colleges, and other higher educational institutions to implement Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan activities to tackle the growing issue of substance abuse among students. These measures include forming committees, conducting awareness campaigns, and creating referral systems to provide support to students. The government hopes that this collaborative approach will help curb drug trafficking and protect the student population from falling prey to substance abuse.
The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, announced a major step towards inclusive mobility by offering a 50% concession on bus fares for women employed in the private sector. This move aims to make daily commuting more affordable and encourage more women to join the workforce. The announcement was made at the launch of the Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025 in Sanquelim, which also includes benefits for private bus operators such as operational subsidies and upgraded technology. Sawant assured current operators that they will not be left out during the system's upgrade and urged them to join the scheme for significant annual benefits.