The Supreme Court on Monday directed the West Bengal government to ensure proper accommodation to all three companies of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) deployed at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered on August 9.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has filed an application in the Supreme Court stating that Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel deployed at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital are facing severe difficulties due to lack of accomodation and basic security infrastructure. The Home Ministry has also urged the top court to initiate contempt of court proceedings against the West Bengal government for non-compliance with the Supreme Court order.
The application states that the troops are presently staying at CISF Unit SMP, Kolkata despite the constraints being faced by the accommodating unit.
“The traveling time from SMP Kolkata to RG Kar Hospital is nearly 01-hour from one side and it is difficult to discharge duties effectively and to mobilize CISF troops to duly and promptly respond during contingencies,” the application read.
The bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud after going through the submissions made by Centre and State government passed the order directing that the required accomodation should be provided to CISF by 5PM today and security gadgets by 9PM today.
“Mr. Sibal appearing for the state of West Bengal has in its submission indicated that provision for housing the personnel has been made at the following areas…in the statement placed on record by Union, it is indicated that accomodation for one company is at three location, RMA Quarters, RG Kar premises, KMCP schools and Indira Maitri Sadan. The premises are to be handed over by evening 5PM today and to avert logistical issues, a senior officer of West Bengal home department along with senior CISF officer shall jointly ensure that all three companies are duly provided for accomodation in the vicinity,” the CJI said while dictating order.
The court further said that in the event further need arises, the two officers shall ensure that all requisition needed by CISF is handed over by today and all security gadgets have to be given by 9 PM today.
The Supreme Court on August 20 had directed the Centre to deploy CISF at the RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata, where a woman doctor was raped and murdered. The direction came after the Counsel appearing for Organisation of Doctors of West Bengal placed on record a complaint by a senior resident setting out details of the incidents.