Don’t expect anything from me, RG Kar Hospital’s new principal lashes out at protesting students

After three days of protests and vandalism last night, the new principal of Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, Suhrita Pal, lashed out at students on Thursday. The protesting doctors were demanding immediate action regarding the mob attack at midnight and meeting the demands of the students. In response, Suhrita Pal said, ‘If you cannot trust me even for an hour, then send me home too.’

The reference was actually to his predecessor Sandip Ghosh, who has been sent on long leave by the Calcutta High Court. There was a lot of resentment among the students over Sandip Ghosh’s new posting less than 12 hours after his resignation.

Suhrita Pal said on Thursday, ‘I need an hour to do some official work. You have to trust me, I will not go. You have to trust me. If you cannot trust me then do not expect anything from me.’

Sandip Ghosh sent on long leave

Suhrita Ghosh was working in the state government’s health department. She has been appointed to this post after the resignation of Sandeep Ghosh. On the day Sandeep Ghosh resigned from the medical college by doing RG, he was appointed the principal of the city’s top medical college – National Medical College and Hospital. The government notification said that both the appointments will be effective immediately.

Ghosh was not allowed to enter the principal’s room by the students of National Medical College. The students went on a protest immediately after the announcement of his appointment. A day later, the High Court ordered him to go on long leave.

So far 12 accused have been arrested in the vandalism case

Meanwhile, student protests continued at RG Kar. Following a court order, the CBI has taken over the investigation. On the night of August 14-15, amid the protests, a mob of unidentified people targeted the hospital and vandalised the campus. The mob attacked vehicles and police, in which about 15 policemen were injured.

The students have once again accused the hospital administration of failing to provide security. Three more accused were arrested in the case on Thursday evening, taking the total number of arrested accused to 12. All the arrested persons were produced in court and sent to police custody till August 22. Meanwhile, amid these major developments, the IMA has called for a nationwide strike.