The Advocate General (AG) of the state, representing the government, voiced strong objections to this directive. However, Justice Gangopadhyay, undeterred, questioned the efficacy of the state police.
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The Calcutta High Court, expressing a stark lack of confidence in the state police, has handed over another high-profile corruption case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, presiding over the case concerning admissions to medical colleges in West Bengal, mandated a CBI investigation into the matter. The decision, announced in court, reflects the judiciary’s commitment to rooting out corruption in the education sector.
Justice Gangopadhyay, while addressing the courtroom, underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “The CBI will investigate the corruption that has taken place in the medical college. If there is any financial corruption in this incident, it also needs to come forward.” This statement highlights the court’s determination to uncover any financial irregularities in the medical college admissions.
The Advocate General (AG) of the state, representing the government, voiced strong objections to this directive. However, Justice Gangopadhyay, undeterred, questioned the efficacy of the state police in handling such cases, saying, “Your police managed to arrest Shahjahan?” He further lamented the increasing corruption in the state, noting the lack of positive action from the police, which led to the court’s decision to involve the CBI.
The case was brought to the court’s attention by Itisha Soren, who alleged widespread misuse of fake certificates in MBBS examinations for admissions to medical colleges. Soren claimed,
“Despite not being a Scheduled Tribe, many students got admission in government colleges using fake certificates.” The colleges implicated in this scandal include Calcutta Medical College, NRS Medical College, RG Kar Medical College, and Calcutta National Medical College.
Justice Gangopadhyay, in his ruling for a CBI probe, also addressed the state’s right to appeal, stating, “The state can challenge this case and go to the Supreme Court again.” He expressed his expectation that the state would disclose the expenses incurred in attempting to block the CBI investigation.
This case has been under Justice Gangopadhyay’s scrutiny since last year, with the judge expressing outrage over unqualified individuals being prioritized in medical training. He ordered a verification of certificates for 50 individuals named in the case and instructed the State Scrutiny Committee to investigate the matter.
Setting a deadline of November 30 for the investigation, the judge’s directives led to the identification of 14 candidates with fake certificates by December 14. He ordered their dismissal within two weeks and called for criminal cases against them.
The decision to involve the CBI in this ongoing investigation marks a significant turn in the pursuit of justice and integrity in medical education. It reflects the judiciary’s proactive stance in ensuring that the future of healthcare is entrusted to genuinely qualified individuals.