Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: Former principal of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Sandip Ghosh, has been sent to judicial custody until September 23 by a special CBI court. Ghosh, who was arrested on September 2, faces allegations of financial irregularities during his tenure at the state-run medical facility, which came under scrutiny following the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor last month.
Ghosh’s arrest follows an order from the Calcutta High Court, which transferred the investigation from a special team of the Kolkata Police to the CBI on August 23. This decision was made after Dr. Akhtar Ali, a former deputy superintendent at the hospital, called for an investigation into Ghosh’s activities. Ali accused Ghosh of illegal activities including the sale of unclaimed corpses, trafficking of biomedical waste, and awarding tenders to specific vendors in exchange for commissions. There were also allegations of students being forced to pay large sums to pass exams.
The CBI took Ghosh into custody after multiple rounds of questioning, along with three others: vendors Biplav Singha and Suman Hazara, and Afsar Ali, a security guard. Ghosh, who had resigned following the tragic incident at RG Kar, was suspended by the West Bengal government shortly after his arrest, amid mounting criticism of the state’s handling of the case.
Court Decision and Continuing Protests
On Tuesday, the special CBI court in Alipore remanded Ghosh, Afsar Ali, Biplav Singha, and Suman Hazara to judicial custody until September 23, marking another chapter in the ongoing investigation.
Adding to Ghosh’s legal troubles, the Supreme Court dismissed his petition challenging the High Court’s order transferring the investigation to the CBI and rejected his plea to remove certain remarks made by the High Court.
Meanwhile, protests continue to rock Kolkata and other parts of the state, as anger over the rape and murder of the trainee doctor on August 9 remains high. Demonstrators, including junior doctors, have been demanding justice for the victim. The state government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has faced criticism from both the victim’s family and opposition parties over its handling of the case.
Political Reactions
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent comments urging the public to return to Durga Puja celebrations have also sparked outrage. “It has been a month since the incident. I request you to return to pujo, return to the festivities, and ask the CBI to ensure justice as soon as possible,” she said.
In response, the victim’s parents expressed their frustration, saying, “We celebrated Durga Puja with our daughter; we will not celebrate Durga Puja or any other festival for years to come. Her remarks are insensitive.”
BJP leader and Bengal’s Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, accused Banerjee of treating the public as puppets. “Do you think people will stop protesting just because you asked? The demon is yet to be slayed. Be patient, the Mother’s power has awakened, and it will cleanse Bengal,” Adhikari wrote on X.
As the investigation continues, all eyes are on the CBI’s progress and whether justice will be delivered in the ongoing financial irregularity and murder case.
