BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 15th September 2025: A major security lapse at Kailashahar’s RGM Hospital has sparked serious concerns over the safety of healthcare workers, even in what is being described as an era of “good governance.” This morning, a scheduled tender box opening turned chaotic when a group of unidentified individuals allegedly entered the hospital premises and absconded with the box in broad daylight.
Hospital authorities initially denied any incident. When contacted, Dr. Papia Rudra Pal, who was on duty at the time, dismissed the claim. However, upon being informed by journalists that the tender box was missing from the hospital compound, she responded in a subdued tone, stating, “I’m looking into the matter. I’m informing the police.”
Contrary to her statement, Kailashahar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Tapas Malakar later confirmed that no such report had been received from Dr. Rudra Pal. The delay in alerting law enforcement has raised questions about the hospital’s handling of the situation.
A hospital staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed the perpetrators fled through the hospital’s residential quarters and suggested that CCTV footage might have captured the incident. “You may get their images from the cameras below, but I’m not sure if Madam will share them with you,” the staffer added.
Tensions escalated shortly after the theft, as several individuals allegedly linked to the group that took the tender box returned on motorcycles and assaulted youths standing outside the hospital. The sudden outbreak of violence caused panic among staff and visitors. “We come here to work for our livelihood, not to witness street fights,” said one hospital employee, visibly shaken.
Eyewitnesses allege that both groups involved in the clash were affiliated with rival nationalist factions, further intensifying the atmosphere of fear. Several healthcare workers have since demanded transfers, citing safety concerns.
As questions mount over the absence of timely police intervention and the broader implications for staff security, many are asking: In the age of good governance, where is the protection for those on the frontlines of public service?
