Lavish bungalows, financial scandal: ED probes ex-RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh and wife’s wealth

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating former RG Kar Medical College principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh and his wife Sangeeta Ghosh for allegedly acquiring questionable properties in West Bengal. The investigation follows a series of raids by the ED, which uncovered multiple properties, including a lavish bungalow in South 24 Parganas district, as well as flats in Kolkata. These discoveries are part of a broader probe into financial irregularities during Dr. Ghosh’s tenure as principal at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Key Findings from the Investigation

The ED’s investigation centers around financial misconduct and property acquisitions by Sandip Ghosh and his wife. Authorities have uncovered documents detailing multiple properties linked to the couple. The properties, such as a lavish bungalow in Canning, West Bengal, and several flats in Kolkata, have raised suspicions of money laundering and illegal financial practices. According to sources, the properties were acquired through questionable means, and their total worth runs into several crores of rupees.

The probe has also revealed that during his time as principal, Dr. Ghosh allegedly engaged in financial misconduct involving procurement deals and fund allocation. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also looking into a related case involving Dr. Ghosh, where he and co-accused parties allegedly caused financial losses to the government by engaging in corrupt practices. Moreover, the ED has seized several documents and digital devices that could provide further evidence of financial wrongdoing.

Broader Context of the Investigation

The investigation into Dr. Sandip Ghosh has garnered significant public attention, especially in light of previous allegations against him, including his involvement in a rape and murder case at RG Kar Medical College. The authorities suspect a deeper nexus involving Ghosh and other accomplices in corruption and money laundering activities, which has prompted both the CBI and the ED to take a closer look at his financial dealings.

In addition to the properties and financial irregularities, the ED is investigating whether the funds used to purchase these properties were laundered through various shell companies or other illegal means. The agency is also looking at possible connections between Dr. Ghosh and other high-profile individuals who may have been involved in similar illicit activities.

Legal Proceedings and Future Steps

Following the revelations, Dr. Ghosh has moved to the Supreme Court to challenge the transfer of his case from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the CBI. He argues that the transfer is a prejudiced move against him. As the legal proceedings continue, the ED and CBI are expected to ramp up their investigations, possibly leading to further arrests and recovery of assets if more evidence comes to light.

The case has underscored the ongoing challenges in combating corruption within public institutions and has prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency in financial dealings in educational and healthcare establishments.

Impact on RG Kar Medical College and Hospital

The case has also put a spotlight on RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, raising questions about its governance and the potential misuse of funds. The institution, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious in West Bengal, is facing scrutiny from both the public and regulatory bodies. Steps are being taken to tighten financial controls and ensure that such misconduct does not recur in the future.

This high-profile case reflects a broader issue of corruption in public sector institutions and the need for stringent checks and balances to prevent such financial misconduct.