SC questions on the employment of civic volunteers in West Bengal

SC asks West Bengal government to come clean on the ‘source of authority’ by which civic volunteers were recruited in sensitive areas such as hospitals and schools. These volunteers recruited under Rattirer Sathi Scheme have some policing powers. Senior Advocate appearing for West Bengal Government told the Court that Sanjay Roy, accused in RG Kar Murder and Rape case, was recruited on basis of police notification and he was not posted in the hospital; at the time of murder and rape of the junior doctor. The Apex Court directed the West Bengal government to file a detailed affidavit on the ‘source of authority’ for recruitment of civic volunteers in the state and the related information.