CBI Raids Ex-Principal's Home Amid Probe into Financial Irregularities at RG Kar Medical College

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a search operation at the residence of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the institution during his tenure. The operation, which took place on Saturday, was part of a broader investigation that also involved searches at 14 other locations across the city, including the premises of other individuals accused in the case and their associates.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: CBI Anti Corruption Branch reached RG Kar Medical College and hospital ex-principal Sandip Ghosh’s residence.

CBI started a corruption investigation against Sandeep Ghosh by filing an FIR, yesterday. pic.twitter.com/UlXn3wnUp3

— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2024

The CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch led the search operation, which included a visit to the residence of Dr. Debashish Som, a Demonstrator of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This action follows a complaint filed three days prior by Akhtar Ali, the former Deputy Superintendent of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The complaint alleged widespread corruption and irregularities at the institution, with specific accusations against Dr. Som.

On Saturday, the CBI officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Dr. Sandip Ghosh, acting on orders from the Calcutta High Court. The court had directed the CBI to investigate the alleged corruption at RG Kar Medical College, marking a significant escalation in the case. Previously, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the Calcutta High Court had visited the CBI office at Nizam Palace, handing over key documents related to the case. The FIR was subsequently registered, and a copy was submitted to the Alipur Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court.

The Calcutta High Court has set a deadline for the CBI to submit a progress report on the investigation by September 17, indicating the urgency of the probe. The investigation has drawn significant attention, particularly after the tragic incident on August 9, when a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College was allegedly raped and murdered in a seminar hall. Sanjay Roy, a traffic police volunteer, was arrested in connection with the crime.

In response to ongoing unrest related to the rape-murder case, the Kolkata Police has extended prohibitory orders around RG Kar Medical College and Hospital for an additional week, until August 31. These orders, initially imposed on August 18, restrict gatherings of more than five people in the area to prevent disturbances and maintain public order. The affected area includes Belgachia Road-J K Mitra crossing and parts of the Shyambazar five-point crossing belt in North Kolkata.

The extension of prohibitory orders under Section 163(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was confirmed by Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal. The decision aims to maintain peace and prevent further unrest in the wake of the recent controversies surrounding the institution.