The troubles surrounding Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, have deepened as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) intensifies its probe into allegations of financial corruption. On Sunday, CBI officials raided Ghosh’s residences in a search operation that lasted over 12 hours, resulting in the seizure of several key documents.
The raid, which took place at both of Ghosh’s residences, is part of an ongoing investigation into financial irregularities tied to his tenure as principal. CBI officials were seen leaving Ghosh’s premises late at night, carrying multiple files and documents to their Nizam office in Kolkata for further examination.
The investigation stems from an FIR registered against Ghosh and three private firms—Tara Traders, Ehsan Cafe, and Khana Louha—based on complaints filed by former Deputy Superintendent Akhtar Ali and Senior Special Secretary (Health). The FIR accuses Ghosh and the firms of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The complaints detail a series of alleged misconducts involving the awarding of contracts without proper consultation and documentation. Akhtar Ali, in his statement to the Kolkata High Court, accused M/S Ehsan Cafe of being awarded a contract to run a cafeteria at RG Kar Medical College despite lacking the requisite documents. Similarly, M/S Khana Louha was allegedly granted a contract to operate a food stall on government land without a valid FSSAI licence. Ali further accused Ghosh of favouring M/S Tara Traders during a bidding process for a skill lab at the college in 2022, alleging money laundering in the process.
In addition to raiding Ghosh’s properties, the CBI conducted searches at 15 other locations, including the premises of the three implicated firms, former Superintendent Sanjay Bashisht, supplier Biplab Singh, and forensic demonstrator Dr Debashish Som. Dr Som and his wife were later brought to the CBI’s Nizam office for questioning.
Sunday’s raid follows a series of interrogations Ghosh has undergone in connection with the corruption case and a separate investigation into the destruction of evidence in a rape and murder case. Ghosh, who had initially refused entry to the CBI officials at his Kolkata residence, is reported to have made the team wait for over an hour before allowing them access. The CBI may subject Ghosh to further questioning after reviewing the seized documents, including bank account details, property papers, and digital devices.
The CBI also visited the administrative block of RG Kar Medical College as part of the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, the political opposition in West Bengal has alleged that Ghosh maintained a regime of terror at RG Kar to cover up his corrupt activities, reportedly with the backing of powerful figures within the state establishment.
As the investigation continues, the extent of Ghosh’s involvement in the alleged corruption and the broader implications for the West Bengal health administration remain to be seen.