Supreme Court Directs West Bengal Government on Civic Volunteers Amid Rape and Murder Case
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court heard a suo motu case regarding the horrific rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The court has instructed the West Bengal government to outline measures to ensure that civic volunteers are not assigned to sensitive positions in hospitals, police stations, and schools. This directive comes in light of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) naming Sanjay Roy as the prime accused in the case.
CBI’s Investigation and Status Report
The CBI’s fifth status report revealed that the agency is also exploring the involvement of “others” in this heinous crime. The court’s order emphasizes the need for scrutiny in the recruitment and deployment of civic volunteers, particularly as one of them has been implicated in the case. The Supreme Court criticized the recruitment process, describing it as a means of granting political favor to unverified individuals, raising concerns about the integrity of the system.
Recruitment Process Under Scrutiny
The West Bengal government has been asked to provide detailed information regarding the recruitment process for civic volunteers. The bench pointed out the risks associated with placing individuals who have not undergone rigorous background checks in critical positions, thereby potentially compromising public safety. The state has recruited over 1,500 civic volunteers under its ‘Ratire Sathi’ scheme, but the court’s ruling prevents these individuals from being assigned to hospitals, police stations, and schools until further notice.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The Supreme Court also took cognizance of the chargesheet filed against Sanjay Roy on October 7 and directed the CBI to submit a further status report within three weeks. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, presented the latest findings to the bench, which included Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra.
Recommendations for Doctor Safety
Additionally, the court emphasized the importance of ongoing safety measures for medical professionals. It directed the National Task Force to convene periodic meetings and formulate recommendations to enhance the safety of doctors in Kolkata within the next three weeks. This step underscores the growing concern for the safety of healthcare workers, especially in light of recent violent incidents.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform in the recruitment of civic volunteers, particularly in sensitive roles within public institutions. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victim and restoring public confidence in safety measures across West Bengal’s medical and educational facilities. The court’s directives reflect a proactive approach to addressing systemic issues and enhancing the security of professionals serving the community.
