Crime, corruption, and cover-ups: CBI arrests Sandip Ghosh, ex-head of RG Kar Hospital

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, over allegations of financial misconduct and his connection to the gruesome rape and murder of a junior doctor. The arrest marks a significant development in the high-profile investigation that has captivated public attention and sparked outrage across the nation.

Sandip Ghosh, who served as the principal of the state-run RG Kar Medical College from February 2021 to September 2023, was detained after weeks of intense questioning by the CBI at their Salt Lake office in Kolkata. Ghosh’s tenure has been marred by allegations of corruption, malpractice, and gross administrative negligence. He is accused of orchestrating a series of financial scams, including the illegal sale of unclaimed bodies, manipulation of tenders for personal gain, and embezzlement of hospital funds through unauthorized contracts awarded to private parties.

Allegations of corruption and organ trafficking

The CBI’s investigation into Sandip Ghosh uncovered a web of corruption involving the misappropriation of hospital resources and funds. It was found that Ghosh bypassed the state’s Public Works Department (PWD) protocols to grant contracts to private entities, which allegedly included his associates. This resulted in significant financial losses for the institution and tarnished its reputation. One of the most serious allegations against Ghosh is the illegal sale of unclaimed bodies and trafficking of organs at lucrative rates, a practice that has drawn widespread condemnation and calls for stringent legal action.

These allegations are further substantiated by a whistleblower, Akhtar Ali, who served as Deputy Superintendent at RG Kar Medical College. Ali accused Ghosh of running what he described as a “mafia-like” operation within the hospital, manipulating student exam results, and forcing them to engage in unlawful protests to prevent his transfer. Ali’s testimony played a crucial role in prompting the Calcutta High Court to order a CBI investigation, taking over from the Kolkata Police’s Special Investigation Team. The CBI has charged Ghosh under the Prevention of Corruption Act, citing conspiracy, cheating, and dishonesty—offenses that are non-bailable.

Involvement in the brutal rape-murder of a junior doctor

In addition to financial misconduct, Sandip Ghosh’s arrest is linked to his potential involvement or at least negligence in the rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The doctor was found brutally murdered in a seminar hall on the hospital premises in August 2024, a crime that led to nationwide protests and demands for justice. The horrific nature of the crime and the subsequent administrative cover-up raised questions about the role of hospital officials, including Ghosh, in obstructing justice.

According to sources, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer who was allegedly caught on CCTV near the crime scene, has confessed to the murder. However, there are allegations that Ghosh failed to immediately report the crime to the authorities, raising suspicions of a potential cover-up. This has intensified the call for a thorough investigation into his role and any possible connections to the crime.

Reactions and ongoing protests

The arrest of Sandip Ghosh has triggered a wave of reactions from the medical community and the public. Junior doctors and medical students, who have been at the forefront of protests demanding justice for the murdered trainee doctor, celebrated Ghosh’s arrest. However, they have vowed to continue their demonstrations until full accountability is ensured, and all involved parties are brought to justice.

Expert opinions call for systemic reforms

Legal experts and medical ethics scholars emphasize that the case of Sandip Ghosh underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in India’s healthcare institutions. The RG Kar Hospital scandal is symptomatic of broader issues within public medical institutions, where corruption and malpractice can go unchecked for years. The arrest of Ghosh should serve as a wake-up call. There needs to be a robust system of checks and balances, stricter laws, and transparent administrative processes to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

What’s next in the investigation?

The CBI has indicated that more arrests could follow as the investigation into both the financial misconduct and the junior doctor’s murder deepens. With new evidence potentially coming to light, the case remains a focal point of public and media scrutiny, reflecting the broader call for justice and systemic change within India’s healthcare sector.