Ex-RG Kar Hospital Principal Arrested by CBI Over Financial Misconduct

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, along with three others on Monday. This action is part of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the hospital, which is also under scrutiny for the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor last month.

Ghosh's security guard Afsar Ali, 44, and hospital vendors Biplav Singha, 52, and Suman Hazara, 46, were also detained. The arrests followed 15 days of questioning Ghosh at the agency's Salt Lake office. He was then taken to the CBI's Nizam Palace office in Kolkata, where he was formally arrested.

Financial Misconduct Allegations

Dr Akhtar Ali, a former deputy superintendent at RG Kar Medical College, petitioned for a probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into multiple allegations of financial misconduct during Ghosh's tenure. Ali accused Ghosh of illegal activities such as selling unclaimed corpses, trafficking biomedical waste, and accepting commissions from suppliers for passing tenders.

Ali also claimed that students were coerced into paying between Rs.5 and 8 lakhs to pass exams. His complaints to the state vigilance commission and anti-corruption bureau over a year ago yielded little result and led to his own transfer from the institution.

High Court Intervention

On August 23, the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation into the alleged financial irregularities from a state-constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the CBI. This decision came after Ali's petition highlighted the need for a more thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct at the state-run institute.

The court's direction followed earlier actions by Kolkata Police, who had arrested Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer, in connection with the alleged rape and murder of the trainee doctor. Roy was subsequently handed over to the CBI.

Protests and Public Outcry

The incident has sparked widespread protests across West Bengal. Doctors and members of the public have demanded that Ghosh be suspended pending inquiry. Protestors have accused Mamata Banerjee's administration of protecting Ghosh by not issuing a suspension order.

The state government had asked Ghosh to go on leave after the trainee doctor's murder came to light. However, he inexplicably returned to his position within a month after being transferred in October 2023.

CBI Investigation Details

The CBI has filed an FIR against Ghosh and three Kolkata-based private entities: Ma Tara Traders of Madhya Jhorehat, Banipur; Eshan Cafe of Belgachia; and Khama Louha. The premises of these entities were searched during the operation. The FIR includes charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and provisions under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover more details about the alleged financial irregularities and their possible connection to the trainee doctor's death. The case remains under intense scrutiny from both legal authorities and the public.

Ghosh served as principal from February 2021 to September 2023. His tenure has been marred by allegations of corruption and misconduct, leading to his current legal troubles. The outcome of this investigation will likely have significant implications for RG Kar Medical College and its administration.