West Bengal to Strengthen Health Facility Security with Retired Police and Defence Personnel

The West Bengal government will employ retired police and defence personnel to supervise security at state health facilities, following a Supreme Court order for CISF deployment at RG Kar Medical College after a recent tragedy. Districts are instructed to enlist fit and willing retired officers for the roles.

The West Bengal government announced on Tuesday its decision to hire retired police and defence personnel for supervising security at health facilities across the state, according to an official statement.

This announcement coincided with a Supreme Court ruling mandating the deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to safeguard RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court's order follows nationwide outrage over the alleged rape and murder of a medical professional at the institution earlier this month.

Instructions have been dispatched to district Superintendents of Police (SPs) to gather information on retired officers from the ranks of Inspectors, deputy SPs, and additional SPs who have retired within the last two years and are physically capable and willing to serve. Retired defence personnel eligible for these roles include those of ranks equivalent to Naib subedar, captain, or major from the District Sainik Kalyan Board.