DailyPost 2879
CRIMES WAITING TO HAPPEN…
The general tenor of conversation, narratives and debates are in favour of the fact that crimes can happen anywhere, what is more critical is the response of the authorities to it. Top quality investigation and conviction. The same logic in now on in the Kolkata medico rape and murder case. The harsh reality is we are not at all equipped to prevent crimes and hence the logic stated earlier comes in handy. Was the Pune Porsche Accident not a man-made one; just have a look at the accentuating factors and the laxity. What to do talk of a girl’s murder in a PG in Bangalore recently. It was a clear cut case of lack of security, licensing, and clear cut legally mandated SOPs.
What about the death of three IAS aspirants in Delhi, not to talk of any number of fire accidents. India stands number one in fatal accidents on roads. I don’t think any discussion is required on the reasons for it. Suffice to say, a large number of crimes are man made directly or indirectly. The connection and likelihood is known and we allow it to happen for a variety of reasons. The current case in Kolkata also falls in the same category. Inaction, investigation, government cover up, handing over to CBI, likelihood of tampering and what not, all that needs to be sorted out, but we also need to look at the safety and security scenario at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Spread over 26 acres, with 24/7/365 healthcare operations and ingress and egress on a regular basis, it needs a security mechanism in tune with the requirements, which was blatantly missing. To add insult of injury are deep rooted tout rackets, who have access everywhere. The doctors have themselves highlighted the gaping holes in the hospital security. CCTV coverage of sensitive areas is missing. As at other places too, a large number of CCTV cameras are not functional. Emergency building has no CCTV cameras inside, it is only at the main gate of the building. There are known dark and desolate areas, with no CCTV cameras and poorly lit.
There is no proper screening of outsiders and it is also claimed that at night there is no screening. Unauthorized entry was a major challenge. Any number of relatives and friends come with the patient. Drunk people have been found in emergency sections at times. There are no proper rest rooms for on-call doctors. So the victim went to the seminar hall to rest, given the long hours of duty. The suspect had drinks prior to the crime. There are no readily available washrooms for lady doctors and places to change clothes. Some police presence is at the main gate but the rest is managed with private security. Understaffed and barely trained, what they can deliver. There is no police presence inside the campus nor has there been any presence of women police. A precarious situation indeed.
A BROKEN SECURITY MECHANISM IS AN INVITATION TO CRIME.
Sanjay Sahay
Have a nice evening.