Kolkata authorities have implemented Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023—previously known as Section 144 of the CrPC—around RG Kar Medical College and Hospital for a week, beginning Sunday, August 18. The decision comes in response to ongoing protests surrounding the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the institution.
In an official notice issued on Saturday, Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal announced that gatherings, demonstrations, rallies, and protests involving five or more people are restricted in the designated area.
“By the authority granted under Sub-Section (1) of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and in conjunction with Sub-Section (3) of the same section, I, Vineet Kumar Goyal, Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, hereby prohibit, for a period of seven (7) days from 18.08.2024 to 24.08.2024, or until further notice, any unlawful gathering of five (5) or more individuals, carrying of lathis, weapons, or any act that may disturb public peace and order in the designated area,” the order stated.
Authorities cited intelligence reports indicating a potential threat of violent demonstrations, which could disrupt public order, endanger safety, and obstruct medical personnel from performing their duties.
The tragic incident, which occurred on August 9, has sparked outrage among medical professionals nationwide. The murder of the young doctor led to widespread demonstrations and strikes by the medical community.
Tensions escalated further on Wednesday when a mob vandalized parts of RG Kar Medical College’s premises, prompting security personnel to intervene and disperse the crowd.
