KOLKATA: Amid ongoing protests against the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the police have imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
This measure, effective from Sunday, 18 August for seven days, restricts rallies, meetings, processions and the assembly of five or more people around the hospital.
According to an order released on Saturday by Commissioner of Police Vineet Kumar Goyal, the restrictions also cover the carrying of lathis and other dangerous weapons in the specified area of Kolkata.
The prohibition period is from 18 August 2024 to 24 August 2024 or until further notice.
“In exercise of the power conferred by Sub-Section (1) of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, read with Sub-Section (3) of the said Section, I, Vineet Kumar Goyal, Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, being an Executive Magistrate for the Metropolitan area of Kolkata as well as the district of South 24 Parganas (within the limits of the suburbs of Kolkata falling under Kolkata police jurisdiction), do hereby prohibit, for a period of seven (7) days from 18.08.2024 to 24.08.2024, or until further notice, any unlawful assembly of five (5) or more persons, carrying of lathis, any lethal or other dangerous weapons, or the commission of any act likely to cause a breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity within the specified area in the town of Kolkata.”
The order cited credible sources indicating potential violent demonstrations, rallies, and meetings that could disrupt peace and public safety.
It noted the risk posed to human life, public tranquillity, health, and safety, as well as the potential obstruction to medical and law enforcement staff in the area.
The imposition of Section 163 comes after a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered on 9 August while on duty at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
This incident has led to nationwide strikes and protests by the medical fraternity, demanding justice and enhanced security for medical professionals.
The situation escalated when a mob vandalized the protest ground and the hospital campus at RG Kar, compelling security personnel to disperse the crowd forcibly.
These measures aim to ensure that the area remains peaceful as authorities address the concerns raised by the medical community and try to maintain public order in the wake of this tragic incident.
(With inputs from agencies)