CBI charges Sandip Ghosh and four others in RG Kar financial corruption case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a comprehensive charge sheet against five individuals, including Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, in a high-profile financial corruption case. The charge sheet, filed in the Alipore Special CBI Court on Friday, follows an intensive 87-day investigation. It contains 125 pages of charges, along with 500 pages of supporting documents detailing the financial misconduct and corruption within the institution.

The charge sheet accuses Sandip Ghosh of using his official position to manipulate the tendering process at RG Kar Medical College, securing contracts for favored parties in exchange for bribes and other illicit benefits. It is alleged that Ghosh exploited his influence to funnel money through these illegal practices, leading to significant financial losses for the institution. Ghosh is also accused of amassing disproportionate wealth during his tenure as principal, through various corrupt activities that are detailed in the charge sheet.

In addition to Ghosh, four other individuals have been named in the charge sheet: Suman Hazra, Biplab Singh, Afsar Ali Khan, and Ashish Pandey. Each of these individuals is accused of being involved in the corrupt practices, benefiting from the rigged tendering system and engaging in financial misappropriation. According to the CBI, these individuals played critical roles in facilitating the corruption, with some allegedly using their positions within the institution to cover up illegal financial transactions and enrich themselves at the expense of RG Kar Medical College.

The investigation into the corruption case gained further attention after the tragic death of a junior doctor at RG Kar on August 9. The circumstances surrounding the death of the doctor led to widespread protests among junior doctors, which later escalated into a larger public outcry. The Kolkata High Court intervened in the investigation, directing that the case be transferred to the CBI after concerns over the local police’s handling of the matter. Following this, the CBI took over the investigation, initially focusing on the death of the junior doctor. However, their probe expanded to include financial irregularities at the college, culminating in the charge sheet filed today.

In early September, Sandip Ghosh was arrested by the CBI in connection with the financial corruption case. He was charged with embezzling funds and misappropriating resources meant for the medical college. Shortly after his arrest, additional charges were filed against him, including evidence tampering related to the death of the junior doctor. Ghosh and the other accused individuals are expected to face trial in court, where they will be charged with a range of offenses, including corruption, financial misconduct, and evidence tampering.

The CBI continues to examine additional evidence, and further arrests are possible as the investigation progresses. The agency has indicated that it will follow up on all leads related to the alleged corruption network within RG Kar, with plans to bring all involved parties to justice. As the case moves forward, the CBI is expected to uncover more details regarding the scope of the financial irregularities and the individuals responsible for orchestrating them.