Today(on 27th August),The Enforcement Directorate has filed a case against ‘financial irregularities’ at RG Kar Medical College, following a CBI FIR naming ex-Principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh. The ED will investigate the allegations involving Dr. Ghosh.
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KOLKATA: Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has recently come under intense scrutiny as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a case today(on 27th August), concerning alleged financial irregularities at the institution. This case, rooted in an earlier First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has drawn significant attention due to its association with the institution’s former principal, Dr. Sandip Ghosh.
The ED’s case follows the CBI’s initial FIR, which had been lodged against Dr. Sandip Ghosh and others, marking the beginning of a comprehensive investigation into the alleged financial misconduct at the renowned medical college. The FIR, which was registered after the CBI took over the investigation from the Kolkata Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) on the directive of the Calcutta High Court, includes serious charges such as criminal conspiracy, cheating, and dishonesty. Additionally, Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been invoked, underscoring the gravity of the allegations. These charges are considered cognisable offences and are non-bailable in nature.
The Role of Dr. Sandip Ghosh
Dr. Sandip Ghosh, who served as the principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital from February 2021 until September 2023, is at the center of this investigation. His tenure at the institution has been marred by controversy, especially in light of his brief removal and subsequent reinstatement. Dr. Ghosh was transferred in October 2023 but inexplicably resumed his role at the hospital within a month, a move that raised many eyebrows. His position at the hospital continued until a tragic incident occurred—the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor, which led to his removal from the post.
The incident involving the trainee doctor further complicated Dr. Ghosh’s tenure, prompting his immediate removal from RG Kar Hospital. However, in a swift and controversial decision by the Mamata Banerjee-led government, he was reinstated to a similar position at the Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital (CNMC) within hours of his removal. This decision triggered widespread backlash from CNMC students, leading to Dr. Ghosh being placed on indefinite leave pending the ongoing corruption investigation.
The Enforcement Directorate’s Investigation
The Enforcement Directorate, known for its stringent actions against financial crimes, has now stepped into the fray, filing a money laundering case under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to official sources, the ED’s investigation is based on the CBI’s FIR, and the agency has taken cognisance of the details provided in the complaint to initiate its Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR).
As part of its investigation, the ED has reportedly gathered extensive banking and medical procurement documents related to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. These documents, collected from “various sources,” are expected to play a crucial role in unraveling the alleged financial misconduct at the institution. The ED is likely to issue summons to the accused individuals, including Dr. Ghosh, for questioning and recording of their statements.
The Accusations and the Legal Proceedings
The accused individuals in the ED’s case are the same as those named in the CBI’s FIR. In its FIR, the CBI has named Dr. Ghosh and three Kolkata-based private entities—Ma Tara Traders of Madhya Jhorehat, Banipur, Howrah; Eshan Cafe of 4/1, Belgachia; and Khama Louha. These entities are allegedly linked to the financial irregularities under investigation.
The CBI has pressed various charges under the Indian Penal Code, including Section 120B (criminal conspiracy), Section 420 (cheating), and Section 7 (offence relating to public servant being bribed) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. These charges highlight the serious nature of the alleged crimes, which involve both financial mismanagement and potential corruption within the medical college.
CBI Raids and Evidence Gathering
In a significant development, the CBI conducted raids on Sunday at multiple premises linked to Dr. Ghosh, including those of former medical superintendent Sanjay Vashisth and 13 others in and around Kolkata. These raids were part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The CBI’s efforts to uncover evidence have intensified, with officials reportedly collecting crucial documents and other materials during these searches.
A CBI official, speaking to reporters during the Sunday searches, hinted at the potential scale of the findings, stating-
“bahut kuch hai (There is a lot).”
This statement has fueled speculation about the depth of the alleged financial misconduct and the possible involvement of other individuals or entities in the scandal.
