West Bengal Health Department orders removal of illegal shops at RG Kar amid protests

The West Bengal Health Department has ordered the removal of all illegal shops from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital following public outrage and protests by junior doctors after the brutal rape and murder of a female doctor. These unlicensed shops, which had been operating without permits for years, were widely seen as contributing to the security breakdown that allowed anti-social elements to frequent the hospital premises.

Protesters and hospital staff have long raised concerns about these shops, accusing former RG Kar principal Sandeep Ghosh of allowing them to operate illegally in exchange for hefty commissions. According to multiple complaints, these shops had become a haven for external individuals, many of whom were involved in illegal activities. Junior doctors pointed out that these elements created an unsafe environment within the hospital, contributing to the deteriorating law and order situation.

The College Council met recently to discuss the growing unrest, and members unanimously demanded that the illegal shops be removed immediately. Health department officials have confirmed that notices will be issued within the next seven days, instructing shop owners to vacate the premises. If they fail to comply, the government will initiate strict administrative actions, which could include eviction and police intervention. Officials also indicated that similar operations may be carried out in other state-run medical institutions where unlicensed shops have been identified.

As part of the security overhaul, all 29 civic volunteers deployed at RG Kar have been removed from their posts and replaced by an equal number of police officers, including female personnel. The health department is also exploring a statewide initiative to crack down on illegal shops operating in medical colleges, with the goal of improving safety and hospital administration.