Ex-Principal of Kolkata Hospital Arrested in Doctor's Rape-Murder Case

Photo : PTI

Kolkata: In a dramatic turn of events, Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College where a young doctor was brutally raped and murdered last month, has been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This arrest follows an intensive two-week interrogation, and it pertains to accusations of financial misconduct during his tenure at the hospital, which are now being investigated alongside the rape-murder case.

The arrest came as a response to allegations of financial irregularities linked to Ghosh's administration. The CBI's investigation also led to the arrest of three others: vendors Biplav Singha and Suman Hazara, who were involved in supplying medicine to the hospital, and Afsar Ali, a security guard.

Ghosh’s role as principal has been under intense scrutiny since the discovery of the young doctor's body on August 9. His delayed response in lodging a First Information Report (FIR) and his subsequent transfer to another hospital—just hours after his resignation under public pressure—raised significant concerns about his handling of the situation. The Calcutta High Court had criticized the state government's handling of Ghosh’s transfer, suggesting he should have been placed on extended leave rather than appointed elsewhere.

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The CBI took over the rape-murder investigation on August 16, conducting grueling interrogation sessions lasting between 10 to 14 hours each. On August 25, the agency expanded its probe into allegations of financial misconduct, executing a search at Ghosh’s residence. An official confirmed that significant evidence had been gathered, and Ghosh has undergone two rounds of polygraph testing.

Amid the escalating protests, Akhtar Ali, the former Deputy Superintendent of RG Kar Hospital, filed an appeal with the High Court. In his appeal, Ali demanded that the Enforcement Directorate investigate allegations of financial misconduct against Ghosh. Ali’s accusations include the illegal sale of unclaimed corpses, trafficking of biomedical waste, and awarding tenders in exchange for kickbacks from medical suppliers. He also alleged that students were coerced into paying between ₹5 and 8 lakh to pass their exams.

The Indian Medical Association has suspended Ghosh, and his appointment to the prestigious Calcutta National Medical College was met with backlash. Students locked him out of the Principal's office prior to a Supreme Court order.

The arrest of Sandip Ghosh has not quelled the unrest among Bengal’s doctors and civil society, who have been vocally demanding accountability since the young doctor’s tragic death. There have been calls for Kolkata Police Chief Vineet Goyal to step down amid the ongoing protests.

In a video message on X (formerly Twitter), Bengal BJP Chief Sukanta Majumdar criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for allegedly attempting to obstruct justice. “Despite TMC government’s attempts to destroy evidence, his (Sandip Ghosh’s) corruption and wrongdoings will soon be exposed. The people of Bengal deserve the truth, and this arrest is a crucial step toward achieving it,” Majumdar stated

Sept. 3, 2024 11:47 a.m. 462

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