Sandip Ghosh Faces Corruption and Misconduct Charges
Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, was brought before a special court in Alipore on September 3 along with three colleagues, namely Diplab Singha, Suman Hazra, and Afsar Ali. An important development in the continuing investigations into the purported rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College, as well as financial issues associated with the organization, occurred with this court appearance.
Allegations of Corruption and Financial Mismanagement
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has leveled serious charges against Dr. Sandip Ghosh. According to their submissions, Dr. Ghosh is accused of siphoning off funds and making 84 illegal appointments between 2022 and 2023. The CBI claims that these appointments bypassed standard procedures, favoring individuals of his choice without a transparent process. This has raised concerns about corruption and the abuse of power within the medical college.
Discrepancies in the 2022 and 2023 selection documents were found during the CBI’s inquiry. The appointments’ validity was called into question by the absence of committee members’ signatures on important papers, such as resolutions and thorough merit computations. Furthermore, Dr. Sandip Ghosh has been charged by the CBI with controlling tender procedures in order to embezzle money by awarding contracts that are marginally below the threshold for restricted bidding in order to evade inspection.
Financial Irregularities and Tender Manipulation
The agency has unearthed evidence suggesting that Dr. Sandip Ghosh was involved in collusive tendering practices. For instance, contracts were awarded to certain firms, like M/s Khama Louha and M/s Maa Tara Traders, in a manner that appeared to be influenced by personal connections. These firms received multiple contracts just under the threshold of Rs 1 lakh to avoid the quotation process, raising further suspicions of financial mismanagement and favoritism.
Legal and Administrative Repercussions
Dr. Sandip Ghosh tenure at RG Kar Medical College was cut short following the rape and murder incident on August 9. He resigned shortly after and was transferred to Calcutta National Medical College, only to be suspended the day after his arrest by the CBI. The legal proceedings have led to the addition of several serious charges under various sections of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
West Bengal’s Legislative and Political Response
In response to the horrific rape and murder case, West Bengal Governor CV Anand Bose has sent the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024’ to President Droupadi Murmu. The bill, passed by the assembly, proposes capital punishment for rape convicts if the victim dies or is left in a vegetative state. This legislation aims to address the rising demand for justice and stringent measures against such crimes.
Political Fallout and Protests
Protests and general indignation have been triggered by the case. Along with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), protestors have demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee due to alleged mismanagement of the issue. Banerjee’s party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), is being accused of trying to conceal the case after it was alleged that the police had paid payments to the victim’s relatives.
Despite the TMC’s denial and a video statement from the victim’s father, claims of a forced recording have further fueled public anger. The West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) has also come under scrutiny, with accusations that it failed to act against the alleged perpetrators in the medical community.
Suspension and Show-Cause Notices
Following the controversy, Avik De, Birupaksha Biswas, and Mustafizur Rahaman Mallick—three physicians associated with Dr. Sandip Ghosh—were suspended by the WBMC. It is said that these physicians intimidate and harass junior physicians by abusing their power. Given the gravity of the accusations made against them, the council has taken measures such as departmental investigations and sanctions.
Additionally, Dr. Sandip Ghosh has been issued a show-cause notice by the WBMC. If he fails to respond adequately, his medical registration may be canceled, further complicating his already precarious legal situation.
Public Outcry and Upcoming Legal Proceedings
As the investigation continues, public sentiment remains high. On September 8, a significant protest, ‘Reclaim the Night,’ is scheduled in Kolkata, aiming to demand justice and ensure the safety of women. The Supreme Court has also taken suo moto cognizance of the case, with its next hearing set for September 9, adding to the pressure on authorities to address the issue swiftly and justly.
#Kolkata Doctors Protest Continue for #justiceforAbhya on the main road of RGKar Medical College ..#JusticeForWomen #justiceforRGKar #rgkarprotest pic.twitter.com/9k91HNAbXl
— Indian Doctor🇮🇳 (@Indian__doctor) September 6, 2024The case continues to unfold, highlighting deep concerns about corruption, misuse of power, and the urgent need for justice in the face of such grave crimes.
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