Sandip Ghosh In 8-Day CBI Custody: Kolkata Court Cracks Down On RG Kar Medical College Corruption

A Kolkata court has granted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) eight-day custody of Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, along with three other individuals, in connection with alleged financial irregularities at the state-run institution.

On Tuesday, the CBI had sought a 10-day custody for Ghosh, arguing that the case involves a significant nexus of corruption that requires thorough investigation. The federal agency emphasized the need for extended interrogation to uncover the full extent of the alleged misconduct.

Photo Credit: PTI

On Monday, the CBI arrested Ghosh, his security guard, and two vendors who had supplied materials to the hospital. These arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into a high-profile case involving the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College last month.

Charges and Investigation

The CBI has filed an FIR against Ghosh, charging him under Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal conspiracy, along with Section 420 IPC for cheating and dishonesty, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The agency has also conducted a day-long search at Ghosh's residence and subjected him to polygraph tests related to both the financial misconduct and the ongoing investigation into the doctor's murder.

The investigation into the financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College gained momentum following a petition from Dr. Akhtar Ali, the former deputy superintendent of the facility. Dr. Ali alleged illegal activities including the sale of unclaimed corpses, trafficking of biomedical waste, and fraudulent tender processes involving commissions from medical suppliers.

High Court Intervention

On August 23, the Calcutta High Court ordered the transfer of the probe from a state-constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the CBI, responding to Dr. Ali's petition. The petition also requested an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into multiple allegations of financial misconduct.

The CBI has also filed cases against several entities, including M/s Ma Tara Traders, M/s Eshan Café, and M/s Khama Louha, in connection with the corruption investigation.

The case continues to unfold, with the CBI intensifying its efforts to expose the full extent of the corruption and ensure accountability.