Police Nab 19 for RG Kar Medical College Mob Attack

Kolkata police announced the arrest of 19 individuals allegedly involved in the mob violence at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The police leveraged social media to seek public assistance in identifying more suspects. 'Nineteen arrests so far in RG Kar hospital vandalism. Five identified via social media,' said Kolkata Police.

Police had shared images and videos of the suspects, requesting the public to help identify the individuals involved in the attack. 'Information wanted: Anyone who can help identify the individuals circled in red in the images below is requested to do so,' read a social media post by the police.

On Thursday, police reported that a mob of between 5,000 and 7,000 people invaded the hospital on August 14, attacking doctors and medical students. Despite being outnumbered, police personnel on-site tried to control the situation until reinforcements arrived. Several officers sustained injuries, some seriously.

The incident has sparked nationwide protests by the medical fraternity, demanding increased security measures. An official statement from the Indian Medical Association announced a nationwide withdrawal of services starting from 6 am on Saturday, August 17, to 6 am on Sunday, August 18.

The violence followed the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the hospital on August 9, leading to widespread strikes and protests by doctors across the country.

(With inputs from agencies.)