The Kolkata Police have filed a corruption case against Sandip Ghosh, the former Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, amid an ongoing investigation into the tragic death of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor who was found raped and murdered on the hospital premises. The case has drawn widespread attention and has now expanded to include allegations of financial irregularities during Ghosh?s tenure.
The investigation into these financial discrepancies began in June when a formal complaint was lodged, raising concerns about possible mismanagement at the state-run institution. In response, the West Bengal government has intensified its efforts by forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter more thoroughly. This SIT, headed by Inspector General Pranab Kumar, includes several senior officials such as Deputy Inspector General Syed Waquar Raza, DIG Soma Mitra Das of the CID, and Deputy Commissioner Indira Mukherjee of the Kolkata Police.
The SIT's mandate is to explore the financial misconduct alleged to have taken place under Mr. Ghosh?s administration. The investigation gained momentum following the gruesome crime on August 9, where the junior doctor was found dead, sparking outrage and suspicion about the hospital?s internal workings.
Mr. Ghosh, who resigned from his position two days after the incident, has since been under intense scrutiny. He has been interrogated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a total of 53 hours over the past four days regarding his actions in the aftermath of the doctor's death. The CBI?s investigation has already led to the arrest of a suspect, Sanjay Roy, but the agency continues to investigate whether others were complicit in the crime.
Questions have arisen regarding Mr. Ghosh's delayed communication with the victim's family and his decisions related to renovations near the scene of the crime. Despite his resignation, the controversy surrounding him persists. The Calcutta High Court has intervened, instructing the West Bengal Health Department not to reassign Mr. Ghosh to any other medical college until further notice. This directive came after his brief and contentious appointment as the principal of Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, which triggered protests from students and junior doctors.
The case continues to develop, with the SIT's findings eagerly awaited as the public and authorities seek accountability for the tragic events that have marred RG Kar Medical College.
