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RG Kar hospital ward vandalized. (Ministry of Public Transport)
“Whether this was a conspiracy or someone sent them or they came up with a plan – we will only know after thorough questioning of those arrested. We do not rule out the possibility of a conspiracy,” Additional CP Muridhar Sharma told CNN-News18.
Kolkata police on Thursday arrested 25 people for vandalizing Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital as women across West Bengal staged midnight protests to condemn the August 9 rape and murder of a trainee doctor in the hospital's seminar hall.
Police officials told CNN-News18 they are actively investigating the possibility that this was a premeditated attack. “Whether this was a conspiracy or someone sent them or they came up with a plan – we will only know after thorough questioning of those arrested. We do not rule out the possibility of conspiracy theories. This is in It's very much part of our investigation,” additional CP Muurlidhar Sharma told CNN-News18.
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The hospital's emergency room, nursing station, pharmacy and some outpatient clinics were vandalized by criminals. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said late Thursday that two floors of the emergency room were destroyed, medicines were looted and infrastructure and equipment were severely damaged.
Cover smaller groups
Officials told CNN-News18 that those arrested appeared to have arrived at the hospital in small groups of six to 10 people from places such as Howrah or Dumdum.
“Many people walked to the hospital. When we asked them why they indulged in vandalism, they did not give a direct answer. Most said they heard about the rape-murder case and felt sad about it, so they went to the hospital. Once there, the mob mentality seemed to take over and everything was disrupted,” an investigating officer told CNN-News18.
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Who are the saboteurs? Drivers and delivery people carry tools
While Kolkata police did not directly answer the political affiliation of the vandals, officials said the series of incidents suggested a well-thought-out plan. Those arrested have been identified as drivers, delivery people and battery store workers, officials said.
A review of video evidence showed that some vandals were armed with hammers, sticks and more, many tore down justice posters and some broke through barricades. The details prompted police to investigate whether there was a deliberate plot to hijack the Take Back the Night protests.
The police are outnumbered and useless.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal admitted that the number of police officers was insufficient and ineffective. “We are clearly outnumbered. Because we have a 'no force' policy towards protesting doctors, it takes time for us to react when the barricades are breached,” he said.
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Another CP added that reinforcements will also take time because the city is getting crowded due to darnas and protests every few meters.
“We are investigating whether the protests around RG Kar and the road blockade are all part of a larger plan. The WhatsApp group was set up to mobilize people. It is being investigated whether any group has any knowledge of the violence,” a said the police officer.
