ED Raids Former RG Kar Hospital Principal’s Home in Financial Irregularities Probe
Kolkata, India: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has raided the residence of Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Hospital, amid an investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the institution. This raid is part of a broader inquiry linked to the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor, which has sparked nationwide protests and a detailed probe into the hospital's finances during Ghosh's tenure.
Ghosh has filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging a Calcutta High Court decision that mandated a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into his financial dealings. The Supreme Court is set to hear the plea on September 6, led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud.
On Tuesday, a Kolkata court placed Ghosh and three others in CBI custody for eight days, despite the agency’s request for a 10-day extension to explore a “significant nexus” of corruption. Ghosh, who was arrested on Monday night, reportedly faced an assault while being presented in court.
The CBI’s First Information Report (FIR) against Ghosh includes charges of criminal conspiracy (Section 120B IPC), cheating and dishonesty (Section 420 IPC), and violations under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The agency has been interrogating Ghosh since August 16, focusing on both the trainee doctor’s case and allegations of financial misconduct.
Meanwhile, the state health department has suspended Ghosh from his role.
Adding to the controversy, BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar has released a purported letter signed by Ghosh, authorizing renovation work at RG Kar Hospital the day after the crime. The letter, dated August 10, has fueled claims of possible tampering with the crime scene, though the Police Commissioner has denied these allegations.
