Vandalism at RG Kar Medical College: A Flashpoint in West Bengal Political Tensions

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose condemned the vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital as a disgrace to society. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the CPI(M) and BJP of orchestrating the attack. The incident follows protests by junior doctors over the alleged rape-murder of a colleague. Despite detentions and ongoing investigations, tensions remain high.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Thursday condemned the vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, calling it a ''shame to civil society.'' Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee placed the blame squarely on the ''CPI(M)-BJP'' alliance for the attack, which came during a week of protests by junior doctors following the alleged rape-murder of a colleague.

Around midnight, about 40 individuals, posing as protesters, stormed the hospital, vandalizing the emergency department, nursing station, and medicine store. CCTV cameras were damaged, and a stage used by protesting doctors since August 9 was ransacked. Police have detained nine individuals in connection with the incident.

Banerjee contended that the vandalism was meant to incite chaos, while the BJP criticized the state administration for failing to protect the doctors and demanded army intervention if the situation worsens. Healthcare services have been crippled for a week, with emergency and outpatient departments in most state-run hospitals closed. Governor Bose has promised justice and ongoing investigations are being conducted by the CBI.

(With inputs from agencies.)