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The recent turmoil in Kolkata, sparked by the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate student at the RG Kar Medical College, has led to the removal of the city's top cop, Vineet Goyal. This decision, announced by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, came after a six-hour meeting with protesting doctors who demanded Goyal's resignation due to allegations of mishandling the case and his perceived loyalty to the Chief Minister.
Goyal, a 1994-batch IPS officer with a distinguished career, had served as Kolkata Police Commissioner since December 2021. He holds a reputation for his contributions to the force, having received numerous awards and accolades. However, recent events, particularly the handling of the RG Kar Hospital incident, led to mounting pressure for his removal.
The doctors' protests stemmed from their belief that Goyal failed to effectively manage the situation following the August 14 vandalism at the hospital, which erupted during a march by junior doctors. They accused him of not taking adequate steps to prevent the mob from entering the hospital and possibly tampering with evidence related to the crime. The doctors, along with opposition parties, expressed concerns over Goyal's perceived loyalty to the Chief Minister, suggesting his actions were influenced by political considerations.
Following the incident, Goyal faced criticism for his handling of the investigation and his attempts to defend the police's actions. Despite acknowledging the need for sufficient security measures, he attributed the violence to the spread of misinformation and claimed that the police were initially caught off-guard. While he admitted to procedural lapses, he maintained the police's efforts to handle the case transparently, citing the transfer of evidence to the CBI. However, these explanations failed to placate the protesting doctors, who remained adamant about his removal.
The doctors' five-point charter of demands, which included Goyal's removal, eventually led to his ouster. While Banerjee granted many of the demands, including the transfer of key officials from the police and health department, the doctors have vowed to continue their protests until all demands are met, particularly the removal of the Health Secretary.
The situation in Kolkata highlights the complexities of political pressure and public scrutiny faced by law enforcement agencies during sensitive investigations. The removal of the Kolkata Police Commissioner underscores the gravity of the situation and the growing demand for accountability within the police force. The ongoing protests demonstrate the determination of the doctors to seek justice and ensure proper investigation into the tragic events at RG Kar Hospital.