Bengal Health Department Suspends Sandip Ghosh After Arrest In RG Kar Case

Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, was suspended and taken into police custody following his arrest over alleged misconduct. The West Bengal Health Department suspended Ghosh on Tuesday, just hours after his arrest on Monday, citing ongoing criminal investigations.

Arrests Linked to Financial Misconduct

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also Afsar Ali Khan, Ghosh's "personal bouncer," along with two vendors, Biplav Singha and Suman Hazara. These vendors were involved in supplying materials to the hospital. The arrests are part of a broader investigation into financial irregularities at the medical establishment during Ghosh's tenure.

Ghosh was previously removed from his position following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the hospital on August 9. Despite this, he was reinstated at Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital within hours by the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal.

Suspension and Ongoing Investigations

An official notification stated, "In view of the ongoing criminal investigation against Prof (Dr) Sandip Ghosh, ex-principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, Prof (Dr) Ghosh is placed under suspension under Rule 9 (1c) of West Bengal Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1971 with immediate effect." This suspension underscores the seriousness of the allegations against him.

Following massive protests and a pending inquiry into corruption charges, Ghosh was later asked to go on indefinite leave. Dr Akhtar Ali, the hospital's former deputy superintendent, had lodged multiple complaints regarding financial irregularities during Ghosh's tenure as principal.

Multiple Investigations Underway

The CBI's Special Crime Branch is currently investigating the rape and murder case. Meanwhile, their anti-corruption wing is focusing on Ghosh's involvement in financial misconduct. These dual investigations highlight the complexity and gravity of the issues surrounding his tenure.

On Tuesday, a City Court in Kolkata ordered that Ghosh be held in police custody for eight days. This decision allows authorities to further investigate the allegations against him.