The controversy surrounding Dr. Sandeep Ghosh, the former principal of R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata, has escalated as allegations of financial misconduct and illegal activities have prompted multiple investigations. Initially, Dr. Ghosh faced accusations of misappropriation of funds and illegal transactions involving post-mortem bodies, raised by the former deputy superintendent of the hospital, Akhtar Ali. Following these serious allegations, Ali approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Responding to these concerns, Justice Rajarshi Bhardwaj of the Calcutta High Court decided to entrust the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with probing the financial corruption allegations against Dr. Ghosh. With the CBI already actively investigating the case, sources indicate that the ED is now preparing to launch its own investigation into the financial aspects of the case. The ED has reportedly obtained a copy of the CBI’s FIR and is in the process of reviewing it to file a separate FIR against Dr. Ghosh. Preliminary investigations have already begun, and the ED is expected to play a significant role in uncovering any financial irregularities associated with the former principal.
Dr. Ghosh is accused of a wide range of offenses, including the misappropriation of government funds, illegal sales of hazardous biomedical waste, and misuse of COVID-19 funds for personal luxury projects, such as the beautification of his chamber and the gym. There are also allegations that he was involved in illegal transfers of medical officers in exchange for bribes. Furthermore, Dr. Ghosh is accused of awarding contracts to unqualified individuals, resulting in the mismanagement and waste of crores of rupees in public funds.
Akhtar Ali, in his legal petition, cited 15 specific charges against Dr. Ghosh, encompassing both financial mismanagement and abuse of power during his tenure at R.G. Kar Medical College. The ED’s interest in these allegations suggests that they are taking the financial aspects of these accusations very seriously, with potential implications for Dr. Ghosh’s future.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ghosh continues to face rigorous questioning by the CBI. On Tuesday, he was once again summoned to the CBI office at the CGO complex in Kolkata, marking another round of intense interrogation. Reports indicate that Dr. Ghosh has already been questioned for over 100 hours across multiple sessions. The CBI’s investigation has included searches of his residence in Beliaghata and a polygraph test conducted on Monday to verify his statements.
The combination of the CBI’s criminal investigation and the ED’s financial scrutiny could spell significant legal challenges for Dr. Ghosh. The ongoing investigations are likely to reveal more about the extent of the alleged corruption at R.G. Kar Medical College, and the involvement of high-ranking officials in these illegal activities. With both central agencies now fully engaged, the pressure on Dr. Ghosh is mounting, as investigators seek to uncover the truth behind these serious allegations. The situation continues to evolve, with both the public and legal observers closely watching the developments in this high-profile case.
