CBI files case against Kolkata hospital ex-principal over financial irregularities
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a case against Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was raped and murdered. The case pertains to alleged financial irregularities during Ghosh's tenure at the medical college. Several students had alleged that Ghosh ran the college through his coterie, bribes were accepted for leaking questions and disposal of hospital waste.
CBI takes over probe from SIT
The CBI took over the investigation from a Special Investigation Team (SIT), established by the state, following directives from the Calcutta High Court. The court's order was in response to a petition filed by Akhtar Ali, former deputy superintendent of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Ali had requested an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into alleged financial misconduct at the institution.
Ghosh's resignation and reappointment spark controversy
Initially, Ghosh had allegedly tried to dismiss the murder as suicide, stating that "it was irresponsible of the girl to go to the seminar hall alone at night." He resigned as principal two days after the discovery of the trainee doctor's body following public pressure. However, within hours, the government transferred him to Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital to serve as principal. The same day, a division bench of the Calcutta high court ordered Ghosh to go on leave.
CBI to conduct polygraph test on Ghosh
On August 20, Kolkata Police registered a corruption case against Ghosh following the formation of an SIT by the West Bengal government led by Mamata Banerjee. The SIT was tasked with investigating allegations of financial misconduct at the state-run hospital since 2021. The CBI, which has interrogated Ghosh for nearly 88 hours, is set to conduct a polygraph test on him on Saturday, along with six other individuals.
CBI given three-week deadline for investigation report
The Calcutta High Court has set a three-week deadline for the CBI to submit a progress report on its investigation. The report is due on September 17. Meanwhile, the main accused, Sanjay Roy, will remain in judicial custody until September 6, under the supervision of the CBI. He has claimed innocence, stating that he was framed.
