The Kolkata Police on Friday said that 19 people have been arrested in connection with the vandalism and violence at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. These suspects have been remanded to police custody until August 22.
“19 arrests so far in RG Kar hospital vandalism. Five of them were identified by social media feedback. If you recognize any of the suspects from our earlier posts, kindly inform us. Thank you for your support and trust," said the Kolkata Police in a post on X.
During the wee hours of Thursday morning, an irate mob stormed into the hospital and completely ransacked the emergency department, including the nursing station, medicine store, and outpatient department. The incident comes in the wake of the uproar and protests over the incident of brutal rape and murder of a PGT doctor in the hospital premises on August 9. The violence caused injuries to several individuals, including some police officers. According to reports, a mob of around 5,000 to 7,000 people attacked the hospital.
Junior doctors at government healthcare facilities have continued their strike, demanding strict punishment for the culprits and improved security. Opposition parties have criticized the police for their handling of the situation, alleging insufficient action during the turmoil. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a nationwide strike by doctors of modern medicine, set to begin at 6 am on Saturday, August 17, and end at 6 am on Sunday, August 18.
