Union health minister J.P. Nadda on Tuesday decried what he described as an attempt by the Bengal government to “hush up and suppress” the case of the doctor’s rape and murder at RG Kar hospital.

“The incident that took place with the young woman PG (postgraduate) student... is really heart-wrenching and has shaken the world and the country,” Nadda said in a statement to the news agency ANI. “The way the incident took place and the way the government has tried to hide it, no amount of condemnation will be enough. Bengal has become a state where there is no such thing as law and order, lawlessness is at its peak.”

Nadda said several associations of doctors met him over the past two days. The Indian Medical Association and the Federation of All India Medical Association, a body representing postgraduate doctors, have called on the Centre to introduce legislation to curb violence against doctors and other healthcare workers.

“I have assured everyone that the central government will take action against anyone connected with this incident,” Nadda said.