All civic volunteers suspended at RG Kar following Supreme Court ruling on security concerns

All civic volunteers stationed at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have been suspended from duty, following critical security concerns brought to light during a Supreme Court hearing. This suspension affects 29 volunteers, who have been replaced by additional police forces, including women constables, to ensure enhanced security measures at the facility.

The Supreme Court's intervention stemmed from a case involving the rape and murder of a student associated with RG Kar Medical College. During the hearing, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud posed significant questions to the state, including, “Who recruits civic volunteers? Under what law are they appointed?” This inquiry highlighted the ambiguous legal framework surrounding the recruitment and deployment of civic volunteers, ultimately leading the court to issue a ban on their use at sensitive locations like hospitals and schools.

In the aftermath of the court's ruling, doctors at RG Kar have voiced their strong support for the suspension of civic volunteers, citing serious security risks. One protesting doctor remarked, "The accused is a civic volunteer. It's a big security issue." The concern escalated when it was noted that civic volunteers were still present in several government hospitals despite the Supreme Court's decision, indicating a lack of proper communication and enforcement of directives from Kolkata Police headquarters at Lalbazar.

To address the heightened security concerns, the Kolkata Police have announced an extensive review of security protocols at RG Kar Hospital. This includes the installation of approximately 500 new CCTV cameras, in addition to the existing 199 cameras, to bolster surveillance and monitoring within the hospital premises. The Kolkata Police have also emphasized that additional police personnel will maintain a visible presence at the hospital to deter any potential security threats.

Furthermore, the Kolkata Police are set to initiate training for civic volunteers starting in January, aimed at better preparing them for their roles and ensuring they adhere to safety protocols. The police have acknowledged that the need for professional training is essential following recent incidents that have underscored the vulnerabilities in hospital security.

As this situation continues to unfold, the Supreme Court has demanded a detailed report from the state government in the form of an affidavit, outlining the measures taken to ensure safety and security in hospitals and schools.