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Calcutta HC slams Bengal Govt for using expired saline; Mamata blames doctors

January 16, 2025, 9:24 pm

Hours after the Calcutta High Court pulled up the Mamata Banerjee Government for not taking proactive steps to suspend the usage of contaminated IV fluids in the State-run healthcare facilities, the West Bengal Chief Minister, who also holds the Health portfolio, suspended 12 doctors who worked at a Government hospital which had administered the saline. According to the Chief Minister, it was the negligence of the junior doctors that led to the death of a young mother who had delivered a baby the previous day.

The suspended doctors include the medical superintendent and vice-principal of Midnapore Medical College and Hospital and some postgraduate trainees. On January 8, five pregnant patients, Mampi Singh, Nasreen Khatun, Minara Bibi, Rekha Sau, and Mamoni Ruidas, had deliveries at the hospital. Mamoni Ruidas, a 22-year-old, and a newborn have died, and the other four mothers are in a critical state allegedly because of the use of contaminated saline. Ruidas died after two days following a deterioration of her health parameters and Singh, Khatun and Minara were referred to the SSKM Hospital in Kolkata after their condition worsened.

Mamata Banerjee, accompanied by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam, spoke to the media at the State secretariat on Thursday and emphasised that negligence from doctors would not be tolerated. The Chief Minister announced the names of those suspended pending an investigation by the police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID). They are: Jayanta Kumar Rout, MSVP; resident medical officer Somen Das; assistant professors Dilip Kumar Pal and Himadri Nayak; head of department (gynaecology and obstetrics) Mohammad Alauddin; senior resident Pallabi Banerjee; and postgraduate trainees from first year and third year Moumita Mandal, Bhagyasree Kundu, Sushanta Mandal, Pooja Saha, Manish Kumar and Jagriti Ghosh.

“These 12 have been suspended along with pending investigation by the CID,” Mamata announced. “Those who were present that day because of their negligence, this incident took place. We don’t know what will happen if other patients go to them. We have to look after them.” Earlier on Thursday, a High Court Division Bench led by Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya heard petitions demanding an impartial inquiry into the contaminated IV fluid scandal. “It is rather disturbing to know that despite an order passed in December 2024 directing to stop manufacturing, the Health Department did not take proactive action to suspend the usage of the drugs. This was only done on 14th January,” Chief Justice Sivagnanam said in the order.

“We fail to understand why it took more than 10 days to pass orders for withdrawal of existing stock.” The Bench also directed the State to provide compensation to the family of the pregnant lady who had died. During her media interaction, the Chief Minister mentioned that the State would pay a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of Mamoni Ruidas. She however said that if there was a problem with the saline, similar incidents would have been reported in other State-run hospitals as well. Mamata said the Government had sent the saline samples for retesting. “We will look for alternate IV fluids of good quality,” she said. “Juniors who are not qualified to perform caesarean section operations were sent. There was negligence involved. Proper anaesthesia was not administered. Where were the MSVP and head of the department? As administrative heads, was it not their responsibility to know?” she asked.

The Chief Minister said two separate teams, one with medical officers and another from the CID, had investigated the matter and submitted two reports. “If there is negligence, it is a criminal offence,” she said. The Chief Minister claimed one of the suspended doctors had performed three surgeries in another hospital in Debra’s Balichak in West Midnapore though he was supposed to be at the Midnapore Medical College. “The Government rule is that the doctors have to be in the hospital for eight hours. But many of them attend for two hours and then go for private practice. Why? They are free to do what they want after eight hours of duty,” Mamata Banerjee said. Mamata instructed Chief Secretary Pant and Health Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam to immediately install CCTV cameras outside the operation theatres in State-run hospitals.

“There has been so much improvement in the healthcare system in the last 14 years but because of the negligence of some people, the entire system is being put on the dock,” she said. “Those families who have lost their loved ones have the right to ask questions and blame the system.” The leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari met Debashish Ruidas, the husband of Mamoni Ruidas at their home in West Midnapore’s Chandrakona and handed them Rs 2 lakh cash. “Mamata Banerjee is solely responsible for this incident and should be removed,” Adhikari said after meeting the family. “The list of patients who were administered the contaminated IV fluids should be released for the families to be aware of because the experts fear long-term damage to the kidneys.” Adhikari also told the family to reject the Rs 5 lakh offered by the State Government and demand Rs 50 lakh, as also a permanent Government job.

HC Asks TMC Govt To Clear Stand On ‘Threat Culture’ In Medical Colleges

September 28, 2024, 1:30 am

The Calcutta High Court has asked the West Bengal government to respond to serious allegations about a threat culture in state-run medical colleges and hospitals.
This directive follows a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a doctor and a social worker, who reported instances of bribery, corruption, sexual harassment, and abuse among medical students and junior doctors.

Observing that allegations of a threat nexus in medical colleges in West Bengal are serious if even one or more of these are correct, the Calcutta High Court has directed the State Government to file an affidavit responding to the accusations made in the PIL.
The petitioners alleged that they have come across multiple reports regarding the existence of a threat culture in State Government-run medical colleges and hospitals, sale of answer keys for examinations, bribery, corruption, sexual harassment and abuse of medical students and junior doctors.

The court also noted that the petitioners, a doctor and a social worker, mentioned a “north Bengal lobby”, which according to them exerts pressure for transfers and promotions.
Noting that several serious allegations had been made in the public interest litigation (PIL), the Division Bench presided by Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam observed: “If any one or more are found to be correct, the matter is a very serious issue.” The court then fixed the matter for further hearing on November 21. The bench, also comprising Justice Bivas Pattanayak, directed the National Medical Commission and the West Bengal Medical Council, who are respondents in the PIL, to give their inputs in the matter.

The petitioners prayed for a direction for the conduct of a probe into the alleged threat nexus syndicate by constituting a special investigation team (SIT) to be led by a former judge of this court. The petitioners also gave to the court names of some persons who, according to them, are the nexus leaders and claimed that the Government has transferred some of them to other hospitals and certain other persons have been placed under suspension.

The petitioners have requested an investigation into the alleged threat nexus by a special investigation team (SIT) led by a former judge of the court.
They have also sought the preservation of all records, including electronic records, kept at the medical colleges and hospitals.

West Bengal Government Removes Directors of Medical Education and Health Services Amid Protests

September 18, 2024, 12:33 pm

The West Bengal government has dismissed Dr. Kaustav Nayak and Dr. Debasish Halder from their positions as Director of Medical Education (DME) and Director of Health Services (DHS), respectively, according to a health department order issued on Tuesday. This decision came after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with junior doctors who have been protesting for 39 days in response to the rape-murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor.

During a meeting on Monday night, Banerjee assured the protesting junior doctors that action would be taken against Nayak and Halder. In their place, Dr. Swapan Soren has been appointed as the new in-charge director of health services, while Dr. Suparna Dutta will serve as the officer on special duty for medical education.

Following their removal, Nayak will assume the role of Director at the Institute of Health and Family Welfare, and Halder will take on the position of officer on special duty for public health at Swasthya Bhawan.

The junior doctors have been on a ‘cease work’ strike, demanding the resignation of the DHS, DME, and the Health Secretary, citing their alleged involvement in corruption within the state health sector. The protests have gained significant attention and highlight ongoing concerns about safety and governance in the healthcare system.

Mamata Accedes To A Few Demands Of Protesting Doctors

September 18, 2024, 12:23 am

The West Bengal government on Tuesday effected a reshuffle in the Health and Police departments as announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after her meeting with the agitating junior doctors late yesterday night.

The Chief Minister had met the junior doctors on Monday evening to break the deadlock after multiple failed attempts, and as per their demand, announced the changes in the police ranks and the Health Department. Senior IPS officer Manoj Kumar Verma was made the new Commissioner of Kolkata Police, replacing Vineet Goyal, according to a notification issued by the Home Secretary this morning.

Since the discovery of the body of a 31-year-old junior doctor who was found raped and murdered on August 9, junior doctors across the State had blamed Vineet Goyal of leading efforts to destroy crucial evidence. The students have been on cease-work since August 10.
Goyal, a 1994 batch officer who was under fire over handling of the rape and murder of the doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, was made the ADG and IGP of West Bengal Police’s Special Task Force (STF).

The State Government also removed Kolkata Police’s DC (North) Abhishek Gupta who had been accused of offering hush money to the victim’s parents even as her body was lying in her house.

Abhishek Gupta was replaced by Dipak Sarkar from the Siliguri Police. Gupta was made Commanding Officer of Eastern Frontier Rifles 2nd Battalion. Police sources said that this was an insignificant posting that was like a “punishment posting”.

As decided in the meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence last night, the State Government also removed Director of Health Services (DHS) Debashis Halder and Director of Medical Education (DME) Kaustav Nayak. Both of them had signed the order for demolishing a room opposite the seminar room where the murdered doctor’s body was found, leading to allegations that both had tried to destroy evidence. One of the agitating junior doctors said had seen the Government Order and would announce the future course of their movement following a meeting among themselves.

Supreme Court Rules Against West Bengal’s Restriction on Women Doctors’ Night Shifts

September 17, 2024, 4:16 pm

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that the West Bengal Government cannot prevent women doctors from working night shifts. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and including Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, made this observation after being informed about the state government’s decision to restrict women from working night shifts and beyond 12 hours.

The remarks were made during a hearing on a suo motu petition concerning the rape and murder of a doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. The court questioned the government’s notification that barred women from night duties and restricted them to 12-hour shifts.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal Government, assured the court that the notification would be withdrawn. He explained that the restriction was a temporary measure as part of recent security protocols.

The Supreme Court emphasized that women do not seek concessions but equal opportunities and are willing to work under all conditions. It stressed that it is the state’s responsibility to ensure the safety of women doctors.

In addition, Senior Advocate Sibal informed the court that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has promised no punitive or adverse action against doctors who return to work.

The court also expressed displeasure with a lawyer who submitted an application seeking the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Supreme Court made it clear that this is not a political forum and warned the lawyer that he would be removed from the court if he continued. “This is not a political forum, alright,” the court stated, adding that legal discipline must be adhered to. “We are not here to see what you feel about a political functionary,” it said.

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Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that the victim’s name and photograph were still present on the Wikipedia platform. The court directed Wikipedia to comply with its previous directive to remove the victim’s identity from its platform. The Supreme Court reiterated that, in the interest of maintaining the victim’s dignity, the identity of a rape victim should not be disclosed.

Manoj Kumar Verma Appointed as New Kolkata Police Commissioner Amid Junior Doctors’ Protests

September 17, 2024, 4:01 pm

The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has appointed Manoj Kumar Verma as the new commissioner of Kolkata Police. He replaces Vineet Kumar Goyal, who has been reassigned as the Additional Director General (ADG) of the Special Task Force.

This decision follows a meeting between Chief Minister Banerjee and protesting junior doctors. During the meeting, the Chief Minister agreed to several demands made by the doctors, including the removal of Vineet Kumar Goyal from his position as the Kolkata Police Commissioner and the removal of certain health department officials.

Addressing the protesting doctors, Banerjee stated, “Given the demand of junior doctors, Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal has said in the meeting that he is ready to resign.” She added that Goyal would hand over his responsibilities to the new commissioner at 4 pm on Tuesday. The government has decided to comply with the demands set forth by the junior doctors.

In addition to this change, Banerjee announced that the Deputy Commissioner North, Abhishek Gupta, would also be removed. She explained, “We have decided to change the DC (Kolkata Police Commissioner)…he agreed to resign himself…in the health department, they demanded the removal of three persons, and we agreed to two. We have agreed to 99% of their demands. We have requested the junior doctors to return to work so that common citizens won’t suffer.”

Banerjee further clarified, “We have accepted three of their four demands…DC North (Abhishek Gupta) will also be removed, and a decision regarding the new DC will be taken tomorrow. Full attention will also be paid to the security of the doctors.”

This development comes amid ongoing protests by the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front and the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA). They have demanded the removal of the Kolkata Commissioner of Police and the replacement of senior officials in the Health and Family Welfare Department of the West Bengal Government.

The protests were sparked by the rape and murder of a second-year postgraduate trainee doctor inside a seminar room at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College on August 9. In a press conference held in the national capital, the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front and RDA outlined their five-point demands, which include justice for the victim, referred to as “Abhaya,” and an expedited investigation into the case.

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Additionally, the junior doctors called for the removal of the Director of Medical Education (DME), the Director of Health Services (DHS), and the Health Secretary from the Department of Health and Family Welfare. They also demanded action against “incompetent and complacent police authorities,” calling for the removal of Vineet Goyal and the Deputy Commissioner of Police of North and Central for administrative failure and alleged evidence tampering.

GMC Jammu Deploys Armed Forces Security

August 24, 2024, 1:54 am

The Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu has made history by becoming the first healthcare facility in India to deploy armed forces for the security of its medical staff. This unprecedented move follows a recent announcement by the West Bengal government to recruit personnel from the police, army, navy, and air force for hospital security, though GMC Jammu is the first to have actually implemented such a measure.

The decision to deploy armed personnel at GMC Jammu comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Kolkata, where the rape and murder of a female doctor shocked the nation. The crime sparked widespread outrage, prompting demands for increased protection for medical workers across India’s hospitals.

According to reports, personnel from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have been stationed in the emergency section of GMC Jammu. Currently, 10 SSB personnel are on duty, with plans to increase the number to 30 in the near future.

There are also indications that the deployment of armed personnel may be extended to other hospitals across the Jammu region, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of healthcare professionals. This initiative sets a significant precedent and could lead to similar security measures being adopted in hospitals nationwide, particularly in light of growing concerns about the safety of medical workers.

West Bengal Guv likely to meet President today

August 20, 2024, 5:27 am

CBI, meanwhile, grills former principal of the medical college, where a junior doctor was murdered after rape, for the fourth day on Monday.

Protests against the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old medical student continued across West Bengal even as West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Monday said “democracy is declining” in West Bengal. Amidst the ongoing protests in West Bengal, Governor Bose is likely to meet President Draupadi Murmu on Tuesday, Raj Bhavan sources said.

Governor Bose made the comments while meeting a delegation, including doctors and others at a Raksha Bandhan event and expressed his anguish at what transpired at RG Kar Hospital as well as the ‘botched administrative and law enforcement steps”.

Meeting a delegation that expressed solidarity with those protesting the rape and murder at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, Bose said “democracy is declining”.

At the ceremony, he met people from all strata of society, mostly women and transgender people.

“In West Bengal, democracy is declining… This cannot continue. Today, we must vow to protect our daughters and sisters… Our society should be one where women feel safe and content… Now is the time for all men to correct our mistakes,” Bose said during the meeting.

“The delegates expressed solidarity with the medical professionals and the protesting masses across the State and the country,” read a statement by the Raj Bhawan, adding that the Governor briefed the delegates on steps he has taken, including his field visit to the hospital and monitoring the situation.

“The delegation expressed their anguish at what had transpired at the RG Kar Medical College and the subsequent botched administrative and law enforcement steps that have clearly failed to measure up to the occasion,” the statement added.

It read that the people he met insisted on taking the investigations “on the right track” to ensure women’s dignity, safety, and security, particularly that of medical professionals.
Governor Bose had announced on Sunday night that he called for an emergency meeting with various sections of people in West Bengal to discuss the case and gather opinions on the Government’s response.

His decision came after Rajya Sabha MP and former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh shared a letter on X urging West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor Bose to take immediate action.

“With deep anguish over the delay in justice for the Kolkata rape and murder victim, an incident that has shaken the conscience of all of us, I have penned a heartfelt plea to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Ms. @MamataOfficial Ji, and Hon’ble @BengalGovernor, urging them to act swiftly and decisively,” Singh wrote on X.

In response, the Governor had posted on X: “HG’s (Honourable Governor’s) swift action on the letter from Shri Harbhajan Singh expressing his anguish over the tragic incident at R.G. Kar Medical College. HG has called an emergency meeting of a cross-section of Bengal society to apprise them of the action taken in the matter and to take stock of their opinions in this regard.”

Meanwhile, CBI officers for the fourth consecutive day on Monday questioned the former principal of R.G. Kar Medical College, Sandip Ghosh in connection with their probe into the rape and murder of the woman doctor. “Dr. Ghosh reached the CBI’s city office at CGO Complex on Monday morning,” an official said.

In another development, Kolkata Police said: “One person was arrested in Kolkata for allegedly disclosing the identity of the doctor on social media, and for issuing threats to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.”

Police sources said a second-year B.Com student has been arrested by Kolkata Police over allegations of sharing a “provocative social media post” against Mamata Banerjee.

As per the police, the student has been accused of inciting hatred and encouraging criminal activity by allegedly “encouraging” people to assassinate the CM.

Police said they received a complaint that the student uploaded three Instagram stories related to the rape and murder case at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, allegedly disclosing the victim’s name and identity.

“The accused person also shared two stories against the CM of West Bengal containing offensive comments and threats to her life,” claimed Kolkata police officials. An investigation into the case is in progress, they said. The student has been booked under BNS sections 351 (2), 353(1), and 352, dealing with an intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace, and sections 72 and 79 which deal with words, gestures and acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman.

During the day, the Kolkata Police summoned two well-known doctors to the police headquarters alleging that they had revealed the name of the victim in public. Both doctors denied the charges.

Well-known cardiac surgeon Dr Kunal Sarkar, who was accused of revealing the victim’s identity, denied the allegation. “I have never revealed the name or identity of the victim. I have questions about this case like everyone else. Maybe they don’t want people to share views on this case and it is an attempt to stop people from sharing their anguish,” Sarkar said.

SIT and CBI Double Trouble: Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College Ex Principal Under Dual Scrutiny

August 20, 2024, 5:10 am

The financial transactions at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College during the tenure of former Principal Sandip Ghosh will be scrutinized following allegations of irregularities. The West Bengal government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe these alleged financial discrepancies. The SIT, led by Inspector General of Police Dr. Pranav Kumar, is tasked with accessing relevant documents from government departments and private agencies to ensure a thorough investigation. The team is expected to submit its report within a month.

Sandip Ghosh, who has faced severe criticism following the rape-murder of a doctor on the hospital premises, is also under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI is questioning him about hospital security, the handling of his resignation, the decision to declare the death a suicide prematurely, the contamination of the crime scene, and the sudden renovation of rooms near where the doctor’s body was found.

A note from the government’s Home and Hill Affairs Department Internal Security Branch stated, “The SIT will have the liberty to access any relevant document from government departments and private agencies required for expeditious completion of the inquiry.” The SIT will investigate the alleged financial irregularities from January 2021 to the present.

The decision to transfer Ghosh to the National Medical College and Hospital within hours of his resignation has drawn significant criticism from the Opposition, civil society, and the Calcutta High Court. The court questioned the appropriateness of promoting someone who failed in their duty to protect students. The judges remarked, “Even assuming the resignation was not accepted, the least that can be expected from a responsible higher official of the concerned department is to immediately relieve the Principal from his duties and not assign him any other duty of equal responsibility.”

In response to the criticism and adverse comments on social media, Ghosh resigned from his post and government service. Despite his resignation, a government order announced his transfer to the National Medical College shortly thereafter. Ghosh is currently on long leave, and the CBI is closely examining his call records and communications.

West Bengal Government Announces Enhanced Women’s Safety Measures Post-Kolkata Doctor’s Rape-Murder

August 17, 2024, 9:47 pm

In response to the outrage over the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the West Bengal government, led by Mamata Banerjee, has implemented new safety measures for women across the state. This includes a mandate that female doctors and other women should not work more than 12 hours at a stretch.

The government has launched a review process and committed to its flagship programme, ‘Rattirer Shaathi,’ aimed at enhancing the safety of women working night shifts. Measures include providing separate designated restrooms with toilets for women at government hospitals, medical colleges, and hostels.

“Rattirer Shaathi or woman volunteers will be on duty at night. Safe zones will be established with full CCTV coverage and monitoring. A special mobile app with alarm features will be developed for all working women, linking directly to local police stations and control rooms,” the government stated.

Helplines 100 and 112 have been emphasized for use during emergencies. Additional measures include security checks and breathalyser tests at hospitals, establishment of Vishaka Committees on sexual harassment in workplaces, and encouraging women to work in pairs or teams during night shifts.

The government will also conduct night patrols at medical colleges, hospitals, and women’s hostels. “Adequate drinking water will be provided on all hospital floors. All faculty, staff, and security personnel must display identity cards. A security officer will be assigned to each medical college, hospital, and district hospital for overall supervision,” the government announced.

Furthermore, security guards at these institutions will be required to include both male and female personnel.

Congress Leader Supriya Shrinate Criticizes West Bengal Government Over Rape and Murder Case

August 15, 2024, 2:14 pm

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate has strongly criticized the West Bengal government following the recent rape and murder of a female trainee doctor, questioning why local authorities allegedly attempted to cover up the crime.

In a statement on Thursday, Shrinate condemned the violence that erupted at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata after the incident. She expressed dismay over the administration’s response, highlighting concerns about women’s safety.

“The incident is deeply troubling. It raises a crucial question: Where is the safety for women, who make up half the population? What is happening to women in this country? Why did the local administration attempt to cover up the crime? The violence we witnessed is unacceptable and not a solution to anything,” said Shrinate, who is the chairperson of social media and digital platforms for the Congress communication department.

Congress General Secretary Deepa Dasmunshi also condemned the incident, noting that such cases have become distressingly common under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government. “What happened at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital is tragic, but it’s not the first incident of its kind in Bengal since Mamata Banerjee took office. From Park Street to other cases, the situation is deeply alarming. The presence of 150 grams of semen suggests a gang rape, not just an incident involving one or two men. The state government’s silence is unacceptable; it must be transparent with the public,” she said.

Deepa Dasmunshi criticized Mamata Banerjee’s response, which included suggesting a CBI investigation. “What will the CBI accomplish after all the evidence has been destroyed? The truth must be revealed now. Yesterday, TMC supporters caused further chaos, acting as if they own everything. This kind of ‘dadagiri’ will not be tolerated. The perpetrators must be brought to justice, and Mamata Banerjee needs to understand that our criticism targets her administration, not her personally,” she added.

On Wednesday night, a mob vandalized protest sites and attacked vehicles and public property at the RG Kar hospital campus, prompting security officials to disperse the crowd.

On August 9, a post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Her family has alleged that she was raped and murdered, leading to widespread protests by doctors and medical communities across the country.

IMA Condemns Vandalism at RG Kar Medical College, Blames West Bengal Government

August 15, 2024, 1:26 pm

Following the recent vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital by an unidentified mob, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a statement condemning the violence. The IMA has criticized the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, for the collapse of public order, attributing the incident to the state’s failure to maintain law and order.

The IMA highlighted that RG Kar Medical College has been under national scrutiny due to the recent rape and murder of a Chest medicine PG student. They pointed out that the young medical students protesting this crime have been targeted, and accused the authorities of negligence both in preventing the crime and in failing to manage the resulting chaos effectively while the CBI investigates.

The IMA condemned the vandalism, calling it a sign of anarchy and expressing concern about the potential loss of crucial evidence. They announced an emergency meeting with all state branches to plan further actions.

In response to the violence, the newly appointed principal of RG Kar Medical College, Suhrita Pal, stated she has no information about the perpetrators of the vandalism, asking for any relevant details to be shared with her.

Nurses at the hospital have called for increased security following Wednesday’s mob violence, expressing concerns that such incidents could disrupt patient care. A hospital staff member, broke down in tears over the damage caused. He described arriving early in the morning to find extensive destruction, lamenting the impact on the hospital and its patients.

Sandeshkhali Case: Supreme Court Upholds CBI Probe Order, Rejects West Bengal’s Plea

July 8, 2024, 1:14 pm

The Supreme Court dismisses West Bengal government’s appeal against Calcutta High Court’s decision to order a CBI probe into allegations of land grabbing and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali.

In Sandeshkhali, an island in Sundarbans, tensions have escalated amid allegations of sexual assault and land grabbing involving local Trinamool Congress leaders. Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates are at the heart of these accusations, which have sparked outrage in West Bengal, particularly among women in the village.

In February, a woman accused a Trinamool Congress leader of sexual assault at a nearby party office. Two days after she testified before a magistrate, her house was attacked in the dead of night.

Ensure return of poll violence victims by Tuesday: Cal HC

June 22, 2024, 3:21 am

The Calcutta High Court on Friday directed the West Bengal Government to take steps to ensure that people displaced due to post-poll violence in the State return to their homes by Tuesday. It directed the police to keep a strict vigil in the areas where violence had taken place and ensure that such incidents do not recur. The court also directed that Central forces would remain in the State till June 26. Earlier, the forces were to remain in the State till June 21.

The directives were issued by a Division Bench presided over by Justice Harish Tandon while hearing petitions regarding allegations of violence in West Bengal after the Lok Sabha elections.
“Several complaints on this count have surfaced before, and fresh complaints are surfacing every day. We want to have a clear picture of the scenario. We want the displaced to return to their homes by next Tuesday. The police need to be more active in those pockets where complaints continue to surface,” the Bench observed.

Lawyer-petitioner Priyanka Tibrewal, in an affidavit submitted before the court, gave a list of people displaced from their homes and of those whose houses were looted. “Though my affidavit has details of only about 400 people who have been displaced and about 100 cases of houses being looted, the actual number across the State is many times more,” Tibrewal told The Daily Guardian.

Tibrewal, who is a lawyer and a BJP leader, and the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, in their separate PILs, alleged that activists of a particular political party were being subjected to atrocities following the Lok Sabha election process.

The Calcutta High Court Division Bench, headed by Justice Harish Tandon, reviewed the situation amidst numerous petitions concerning post-Lok Sabha election violence in the State. The Court also suggested that, if necessary, the State could take the help of Priyanka Tibrewal, “who has all the information and can be the contact person to get to those affected by the violence.”

This followed the State’s Advocate-General Kishore Dutta’s revelation that from June 4, when the Lok Sabha election results were declared, till June 18, a total of 859 complaints have been received through email by the Director-General of Police’s (DGP) office. He stated that out of these, 204 complaints constituted cognisable offences and FIRs had been registered. Dutta said that 175 complaints relating to non-cognisable cases have been registered. The AG stated that 219 were duplicate complaints, 26 were incomplete while 14 were under scrutiny.

The Bench, which also comprised Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, observed that serious allegations have been made with regard to violence in the State following the elections, hence the continuation of the deployment of Central forces in such a scenario was “inevitable”.
Dutta submitted that 10 to 12 or even 20 complaints a day with regard to cognisable cases throughout the State does not depict a picture that the State police is unable to handle the situation, but was overruled.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal Governor, CV Ananda Bose, wrote to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asking her to take immediate steps to stop poll-related violence in the State.
The Trinamool Congress dismissed the idea that any BJP worker had been forced to flee their home following violence and threats.

“The violence is taking place between followers of the old and newly inducted leaders of the BJP and the Trinamool Congress has nothing to do with it,” said Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh.
The BJP refused to lend much credence to the Governor’s letter. “He keeps on writing or opening peace rooms and issuing sermons, but nobody listens to him,” said Shankar Ghosh, the BJP’s MLA from Siliguri.

Supreme Court Adjourns WB Govt’s Plea on Sandeshkhali Case till July

April 29, 2024, 1:39 pm

In a recent development, the Supreme Court adjourned the West Bengal government’s plea against the Calcutta High Court’s ruling till July.

The West Bengal government had previously filed the plea challenging the High Court’s order which directed the CBI to investigate cases of land-grabbing and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali.

Furthermore, the High Court had previously instructed the CBI to compile a detailed report on the illegal conversion of agricultural land into water bodies by thoroughly inspecting the land records allegedly seized. Additionally, the High Court also requested a report on the crimes committed against women.

When asked about the decision, the apex court questioned why the state should provide protection to the individuals. In response, the West Bengal government stated that despite conducting the investigation in a fair manner, there are still criticisms against the state.

“Why should state protect interest of private individuals,”- Supreme court sharing its observation. To this west Bengal government responded- “There are comments against the state which is being challenged as state has carried out fair investigation.”

As per ANI, the supreme court had adjourned the plea till the month of July.

About Sandeshkhali Case

Since February 7th, huge protests have been undertaken by women against TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates, Shibu Hazra & Uttam Sardar, alleging molestation, rape, and land grabbing. As a result, a huge uproar was created by the people and the state opposition (CPIM & BJP).

After 55 days, the TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested by the Bengal police in North 24 Parganas in connection with the attack on ED officers.

Calcutta High Court orders Bengal Government to hand over Sheikh Shahjahan to CBI

March 5, 2024, 4:58 pm

The Calcutta High Court granted custody of Sheikh Shahjahan, a former Trinamool leader facing allegations of extortion, land encroachment, and sexual assault in Bengal’s Sandeshkhali, to the CBI on Tuesday. The Bengal Police have been instructed to hand over Shahjahan and all relevant case materials by 4:30 pm.

The Bengal government swiftly contested the decision in the Supreme Court, but its request for an immediate hearing was denied. The Supreme Court stated it would follow standard procedures and directed senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi to bring up the plea before its Registrar-General.

Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, leading a High Court bench, revoked a previous order establishing a special investigative team comprising CBI and state police officials, transferring the case to the central agency.

Both the Enforcement Directorate and the state separately challenged this decision; the ED advocated for the case to be solely handled by the CBI, while the state preferred the police to conduct the investigation.

Sheikh Shahjahan had been evading authorities since January 5 when a group of Enforcement Directorate officials was assaulted by his supporters while en route to conduct raids. His disappearance and the assault triggered a significant political controversy, with the BJP accusing the ruling Trinamool party, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, of shielding him.

After 55 days on the run, Shahjahan was apprehended by a special police team and expelled from the Trinamool for six years. His arrest followed three days after the High Court issued an order for his apprehension.

SC issues notice to West Bengal govt challenging decision to ban screening of ‘The Kerala Story’ in state

May 12, 2023, 4:45 pm

Today, the Supreme Court sent notice to the West Bengal government in response to the makers of the film ‘The Kerala Story’, challenging the decision of the Mamata Banerjee government to ban the screening of the movie in the State.

The Supreme Court also gave notice to Tamil Nadu govt that the movie was effectively banned in the State. The hearing of the case has been scheduled for Monday, and the Supreme Court requested responses from the West Bengal and Tamil Nadu governments.

“The movie is being exhibited all over the country; why should West Bengal forbid it, and why should you forbid it from running? The movie is playing in several regions of the country to audiences with comparable demographics. Whether the movie is good or bad has nothing to do with this, according to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.

The West Bengal government said last week that it has banned the exhibition of the film ‘The Kerala Story’ is likely to cause a breach of peace and that it has prohibited the screening of the film to avoid any incident of hatred or violence to maintain law and order in the state. The video, which tells the story of three women who are sold to ISIS camps after being converted to Islam through marriage, was originally outlawed in West Bengal.

On the decision to ban the film, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “It is to avoid any incident of hatred and violence, and maintain peace in the state.”
The film’s producer, Vipul Amrutlal Shah, responded to the ban by saying they will seek legal recourse against the decision.

“We will investigate legal options if the state government doesn’t listen to us. However, we will base any decision we make on legal counsel,” Shah said.

The movie, directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah , the film evoked sharp opposition from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who called this ‘RSS propaganda’.

Congress MP from Kerala, Shashi Tharoor accused the makers of misrepresenting Kerala. While running for the BJP in Karnataka, which is holding elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke on the matter and accused the Congress of siding with terrorists.

The movie’s trailer, which said that 32,000 women from Kerala had vanished and joined ISIS, ignited a huge uproar surrounding it. The controversial character from the trailer was eventually taken out in response to complaints, though. Later, it was described in the trailer as the tale of three Keralan ladies.

West Bengal government announces state holiday on 26 December

December 1, 2022, 10:49 am

A notification has been issued by the West Bengal government declaring a holiday the day after Christmas on 26 December. This will be a state holiday.

Meanwhile, the notification stated, “The holiday will be for the state government offices, local bodies, statuary bodies, boards, corporations, and undertakings controlled or owned by the state government, educational institutions and other offices and institutions under the control of the state government with the exception of the offices of Registrar of Assurance, Kolkata and Collector of Stamp Revenue, Kolkata.”

Moreover, 25 December is celebrated as Christmas to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Across the world, Christmas is celebrated by the Christian community and other communities on a huge scale.

However, the festival is celebrated to spread the message of peace and prosperity by exchanging gifts and singing carols.