A corruption case has been filed against Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, who is already embroiled in controversy due to the rape and murder of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor that occurred under his tenure.
Dr. Ghosh, who was previously questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concerning the trainee doctor’s case, faced scrutiny over the delay in allowing the victim’s parents to see the body, among other procedural lapses. Now, his troubles have deepened as the West Bengal police have launched an investigation into financial irregularities at the state-run hospital.
The complaint regarding these irregularities was initially filed in June, but the investigation has gained significant momentum with the state government forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly probe the allegations. This SIT, established in 2021, is led by Inspector General Pranab Kumar and includes senior officials such as Deputy Inspector General Syed Waquar Raza, CID DIG Soma Mitra Das, and Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Indira Mukherjee.
Dr. Ghosh’s involvement in the trainee doctor’s case led to his resignation just days after the brutal crime took place. However, his immediate appointment as the head of another medical college only hours later sparked widespread controversy and raised further questions about his role and responsibilities during his time at RG Kar Medical College.
Now, the SIT’s investigation will focus on financial misconduct that allegedly took place during Dr. Ghosh’s tenure as principal. There have also been reports from some media outlets suggesting possible organ trafficking activities at the college, adding a darker dimension to the ongoing probe.
In parallel, the Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognisance of the trainee doctor’s case. A bench led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, along with Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, is set to hear the matter, signaling the gravity of the situation and the need for judicial oversight. The developments in this case are being closely watched, as they may uncover deeper issues within the administration of the hospital and broader implications for public trust in state-run institutions.
