Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has suspended Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former Principal of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, following accusations of negligence in the aftermath of a doctor’s rape and murder earlier this month. The decision comes amid an ongoing investigation that has raised serious questions about Dr. Ghosh’s conduct and role in the tragic incident.
Dr. Ghosh, who recently underwent a lie-detector test, has been under intense scrutiny for allegedly failing to report the crime promptly after the discovery of the victim’s body. Although he does not face charges directly related to the murder, he is entangled in non-bailable corruption charges. There have also been claims linking corruption at RG Kar Hospital, where Dr. Ghosh is accused of trafficking dead bodies and biomedical waste, to the murder case.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is leading the probe, conducted an exhaustive 11-hour search of Dr. Ghosh’s Kolkata residence, reportedly seizing significant evidence. The agency has questioned Dr. Ghosh for nearly 90 hours so far, as part of its investigation into the case.
In a statement, the IMA noted that the parents of the deceased doctor had expressed grievances against Dr. Ghosh, particularly concerning his handling of the situation and the perceived lack of empathy. The IMA also cited complaints from other doctors in Bengal, accusing Dr. Ghosh of bringing disrepute to the medical profession. As a result, the IMA’s disciplinary committee decided to suspend his membership.
Dr. Ghosh has been at the center of the controversy since the doctor’s body was found, leading to his resignation from RG Kar Hospital. However, his immediate appointment to lead Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital by the Bengal government sparked fierce protests. The Calcutta High Court intervened, ordering Dr. Ghosh to go on “long leave,” and questioned the rationale behind his appointment. Critics of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the state government of shielding Dr. Ghosh.
The Supreme Court has also expressed concern over Dr. Ghosh’s actions, particularly the delay in filing a First Information Report (FIR) after the body was discovered. The court questioned why the FIR was lodged nearly 14 hours later and criticized Dr. Ghosh for not directing an immediate police report.
So far, only one arrest has been made in connection with the doctor’s rape and murder—a police volunteer named Sanjoy Roy. The case has led to political friction between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP, with both sides trading barbs over the effectiveness of the CBI compared to state police. Despite the extensive investigation, the CBI has yet to make further arrests in the case.
