The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted a raid at the residence of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, and 14 other locations in connection with a corruption investigation. The raids come after the CBI registered a case alleging financial irregularities at the Kolkata-based medical college. This investigation was transferred to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court, which had previously assigned the probe into the rape and murder of a trainee doctor to the agency.
The high court’s decision to hand over the investigation to the CBI was made to ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry into the alleged financial misconduct at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital during Dr. Ghosh’s tenure as principal. This ruling followed a petition filed by Dr. Akhtar Ali, who served as the hospital’s deputy superintendent until 2023. Dr. Ali had moved the court on Wednesday, requesting an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into various alleged malpractices and financial scandals that occurred under Dr. Ghosh’s administration.
In his plea, Dr. Ali accused Dr. Ghosh of multiple violations, including the illegal use of unclaimed corpses, the unauthorized sale of biomedical waste, and the awarding of tenders in exchange for commissions from medicine and medical equipment suppliers. Dr. Ali also alleged that students were coerced into paying between Rs. 5 to 8 lakhs to pass their exams.
Dr. Ali stated, “In July 2023, I lodged a written complaint with the state vigilance commission, but no action was taken against Dr. Ghosh. I want everyone involved in the racket to be exposed.”
RG Kar Medical College gained widespread attention following the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in a seminar hall on August 9. The primary suspect, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was arrested on August 10 and is currently in custody.