Centre Accuses West Bengal of Sabotaging CISF Support at Kolkata Hospital

The Centre has petitioned the Supreme Court, alleging the West Bengal government failed to cooperate with the CISF in providing security at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs seeks directions for full cooperation from state authorities and possible contempt proceedings for non-compliance.

The Centre on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court, accusing the West Bengal government of 'unpardonable' non-cooperation in providing logistical support to the CISF, assigned to secure RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered.

Labelling the alleged non-cooperation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government as 'symptomatic of a systemic malaise,' the Union Ministry of Home Affairs requested the apex court to direct West Bengal authorities to offer full cooperation to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The Centre further urged contempt proceedings against the state government officials for 'wilful non-compliance' of court orders if they fail to comply.

The Supreme Court had previously deemed the rape and murder case as 'horrific,' issuing several directives to ensure the safety and security of healthcare professionals, including the deployment of CISF at the hospital. However, the lack of accommodation and logistical support has hindered the CISF's effectiveness. The Centre highlights the urgent need for state cooperation to fulfill the security mandate.

Citing non-responsiveness from the state government following repeated requests, the Centre stressed that inaction from West Bengal in such critical circumstances is 'symptomatic of a systemic malaise' and undermines the safety of doctors, particularly female doctors. The Ministry emphasized that a state, elected by the people, is expected to act fairly, especially in matters concerning residents' security.

(With inputs from agencies.)