Police shut down RG Kar Hospital morgue after violent fight among workers over money

A violent altercation broke out among three morgue workers at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata late Thursday night, leading to police intervention and the subsequent shutdown of the morgue. The dispute, which reportedly began over a financial disagreement, escalated into a physical confrontation. The situation became so severe that the hospital authorities had to contact the local police. In response, Tala police station officials arrived at the scene, intervened, and issued an order to close the morgue. All operations, including post-mortem examinations, were immediately halted.

By Friday morning, families of deceased patients who had arrived to collect the bodies were met with locked gates and no clear communication on when the morgue would reopen. The hospital’s management confirmed that the morgue would remain closed following police instructions, with no indication given as to when it would become operational again. The department head of RG Kar Hospital stated, "The morgue is closed under direct police orders, and we have no control over the timeline for reopening." This closure has left families stranded, unable to proceed with post-mortem procedures or funeral arrangements.

The shutdown has led to significant distress among those waiting for post-mortem reports and the release of bodies. Families are experiencing delays not only in retrieving bodies but also in the completion of vital forensic work, which is now in a state of limbo. Hospital officials have acknowledged that the morgue's closure is severely affecting the normal functioning of the hospital, particularly its ability to complete medical and forensic examinations. The shutdown comes amid ongoing issues at RG Kar Hospital, including a reported shortage of medicines, medical supplies, and staff.