The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital Sandip Ghosh after hours of questioning at the Special Crime Branch (SCB) office in Salt Lake’s CGO Complex. Three others – his security guard Afsar Ali, and hospital vendors Biplav Singha and Sumana Hazara – were also arrested.
Ghosh was later shifted to the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) office at Nizam Palace, where he was officially taken into custody.
The SCB is investigating the rape-murder case, while the ACB is probing corruption allegations against Ghosh and three others.
Ghosh’s arrest, within 21 days of the CBI taking over the investigation from the local police, follows 17 days of questioning, including two polygraph tests.
Three other persons have also been arrested in connection with the corruption case: Biplab Singha, owner of Ma Tara Traders (RG Kar’s dealer); Suman Hazra, owner of a medical shop in Howrah who is allegedly involved in selling recycled medicines from RG Kar Hospital; and Afsar Ali, Ghosh’s security guard.
Ghosh was at the SCB’s CGO Complex office since 10 am on Monday, answering questions related to the rape-murder case. At around 7 pm, he was taken to the CBI’s Nizam Palace office, where he was arrested at around 8 pm.
Ghosh had resigned as principal of RG Kar Medical College on August 12 amid criticism over his handling of the incident, but was reinstated as principal of Calcutta National Medical College hours later — a move that was criticised by the Calcutta High Court, following which he was ordered to take a long leave.
Senior health department officials are scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss Ghosh’s future. According to sources, a 48-hour detention order would lead to his immediate suspension, though the state government could take action sooner.
Former Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh commented, “He has been arrested, possibly on corruption charges. He and his lawyer will speak on the matter. The party has nothing to say. These allegations were known long ago. If the Swasthya Bhavan had acted earlier, this embarrassment could have been avoided.”
The CBI registered an FIR on August 24 following a Calcutta High Court order to probe alleged financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College.
The FIR names Ghosh, another person, Khama Louha, and two companies- Ma Tara Traders and Ehsan Cafe. Investigators found that vendors received contracts worth crores without bidding and medicines and medical equipment meant for the hospital were sold illegally.
Ghosh’s importance in the RG Kar case extends far beyond the current corruption charges. To many in the state health department, he represents a bigger problem bucking the system.
Several health officials accused him and his associates – particularly the “North Bengal lobby”, of which he is a key figure – of promoting corruption and rigging the MBBS exams for financial and political gain.
Within RG Kar Medical College, Ghosh’s tenure was marked by a personal fiefdom-like atmosphere. Students, junior doctors and even lab technicians and civic volunteers close to Ghosh dominated the principal’s office, causing professors to often find themselves sidelined.
The health department was aware of Ghosh’s activities and had transferred him at least twice in recent years. However, he was repeatedly reinstated, each time returning with greater influence.
The CBI investigation will determine whether Ghosh can be held guilty not only on corruption charges but also for attempting to cover up the alleged crimes.
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