RG Kar hospital attack: Bengal Police's ‘Shampa’ post backfires. '…playing victim card’

Bengal Police faced criticism for 'playing the victim card' after a female constable was injured at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 14.

Published on: Aug 17, 2024, 10:41:09 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The West Bengal Police faced backlash on social media for allegedly playing a "victim card” after posting about a female constable injured during vandalism at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident occurred on August 14, amid protests against the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor.

Social media slams West Bengal Police for "victim card" over injured constable at Kolkata's RG Kar hospital protest

A mob entered the hospital campus, vandalising the protest site, vehicles, and public property. Police had to use teargas, lathicharge to disperse the crowd and several were injured.

Also Follow- Kolkata murder case LIVE Updates

The West Bengal Police posted on X on Friday that a constable, Shampa Pramanik, was injured when “suddenly, unprovoked, several bricks flew from the crowd toward the police, one of which hit Shampa in the face".

“Wasn’t the night Shampa’s too? It was meant to be a night for women, reclaiming the streets to demand workplace safety, in memory of a young woman who suffered a horrifying tragedy at her own workplace,” said the West Bengal Police, sharing a photo of the injured constable with a blood-soaked face.

ALSO READ- Kolkata doctor rape-murder: IMA's 24-hour nationwide strike today, hospital OPDs shut, makes 5 demands | Top points

'Why resort to playing the victim?'

Social media users quickly hit out at Bengal Police criticising the it for “playing the victim card” and failing in their duty to protect both protesters and security officials.

“Hoping for her swift recovery, but why resort to playing the victim? The police were responsible for safeguarding both the protesters and their own officers. It failed at both,” an X user said.

ALSO READ- IMA's nationwide strike on August 17: What’s open, what's closed as doctors protest over Kolkata rape-murder?

“Yes, it should have been Shampa’s night too, had Shampa had the better fortune of joining a sensible uniformed force where her seniors would anticipate or have intel on a mob of 7000 ! Where she would’ve been provided a helmet and basic riot gear ! Where she would be not shoved in the face of the crowd being a woman. Yes it was Shampas night too, but sadly she was part of the incompetent WB Police,” another user circled West Bengal Police.

The West Bengal Police said it has arrested 25 people in the case, and will try to ensure punishment for them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.