Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Health Secretary Apurva Chandra, who jointly led a virtual meeting with Chief Secretaries and DGPs from all states and Union Territories, have urged them to bolster hospital security measures. Their recommendations include stepping up night patrols, controlling access to critical areas, and deploying CCTV surveillance at vulnerable locations. They also proposed integrating CCTV footage with the 112 emergency helpline and enhancing awareness of legal safeguards under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Mohan stressed the necessity of installing CCTV cameras in blind spots, enforcing access restrictions in large hospitals, and raising security awareness through visible displays of legal protections. He advocated for regular security assessments by district magistrates and police, in addition to police verification of outsourced personnel. Chandra, on the other hand, encouraged states to adopt innovative security strategies and conduct collaborative security audits at district hospitals and medical colleges. He underscored the significance of routine checks on security personnel, patrols, and the establishment of control centers at major healthcare facilities. Prompt response to distress calls and regular security and fire drills were also highlighted.
State officials noted that many prominent medical colleges and district hospitals now have police outposts, increased patrols, and active committees to address sexual harassment. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) intervened to clear tracks and assist affected passengers. In Kolkata, relative tranquility prevailed compared to other regions, despite sporadic clashes between BJP and TMC workers, notably in Shyam Bazar and MG Road, which were swiftly contained by the police. Public transportation services in the city operated without disruption.
Joint Commissioner of Police Miraj Khalid disclosed that 64 individuals were apprehended for breaching law and order during the strike. Police intervention was necessary in various districts to resolve conflicts and maintain peace. In Berhampur, BJP supporters obstructed a passenger train and clashed with law enforcement at the district administrative office. They also confronted a school principal at JN Academy in Murshidabad for keeping the school open, leading to further disturbances. Allegations of assault against a TMC worker were levied against BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar in Nadia. Incidents of violence were reported in Maldah, where clashes occurred between BJP and TMC supporters, and in Cooch Behar, where 30 BJP members, including two party MLAs, were arrested. Tensions between BJP and TMC persisted, resulting in cases of vandalism and forced closures of businesses across various parts of the state.
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