An abandoned bag found at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Thursday sparked a bomb scare. A bomb disposal squad reach the spot after getting the alert. The RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has been in the headlines since the rape and murder of a junior doctor on its premises on August 9. At present, junior doctors across the state are sitting in protest to demand justice for the victim, despite the Supreme Court asking them to return to duty.
The bag was noticed on the makeshift stage on the hospital's campus. The bag, which appeared to be new and had the price tag still attached to it, was abandoned just beside the portrait of the victim which has been kept there for citizens to offer their tributes.
As soon as the alarm was raised, CISF personnel, who were charged with the duty of securing the hospital by the Supreme Court, cordoned off the area. The area was then evacuated.
The protest has moved from the campus premises to the Swasthya Bhawan in Salt Lake to demand the removal of alleged corrupt officials. Hence, there were no protesters at the spot and the makeshift stage was empty.
The CISF personnel have no clue about how the bag got there.
What Was In The Bag That Triggered A Bomb Scare At RG Kar Medical College?
The scare turned out to have been for nothing as nothing suspicious was found by the bomb squad. After a thorough search, the bomb squad found only a bottle of cold drink, a few pieces of paper, and some fruits in the bag.
RG Kar Protest Impasse Continues
Meanwhile, the impasse between the Mamata Banerjee-led state government and the protesting doctors continued on Thursday. The agitating doctors earlier demanded that a 30-member delegation be allowed to meet CM Mamata Banerjee and that the discussion be live-streamed.
"We invite your delegation, preferably consisting of 12-15 colleagues to join us for a discussion at 6 PM today, i.e. 11.09.2024, at Nabanna. A list of the members of your delegation may please be intimated by email. We look forward to your positive response and hope for a fruitful dialogue," Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant had mailed the doctors. However, the doctors insisted that a 30-member team be allowed to talk to the CM.
Along with the safety of women health workers in the state, the protesters have also demanded the removal of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, the Director of Health Education (DHE), the state Health Secretary, and the Director of Health Services (DHS).
(With inputs from Sukanta Mukherjee.)