Sandip Ghosh, the former head of Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital, who has been intensively interrogated by the CBI in connection with the recent rape and murder of a junior doctor, is now facing serious accusations of corruption, including involvement in trafficking bodies and biomedical waste.
These allegations were brought forward by Akhtar Ali, the Deputy Medical Superintendent at RG Kar at the time and currently holding the same position at Murshidabad Medical College.
Ali revealed in an interview with NDTV that he had previously filed complaints against Ghosh with both the Vigilance Commission and the Anti-Corruption Bureau. However, his attempts to file a police case were allegedly thwarted.
Among his accusations, Ali claimed that Ghosh was involved in the illegal sale of biomedical waste, including used syringes and gloves, which were reportedly sold to individuals in Bangladesh, bypassing proper disinfection protocols. A security officer named Khan was allegedly complicit in this illegal activity.
Ali also accused Ghosh of engaging in the illicit sale of bodies, a claim supported by complaints from the Forensic Medicine Head and the families of the deceased. Despite these serious allegations, Ali noted that no significant action was taken by the authorities. He has since filed a criminal case against Ghosh in the Calcutta High Court, which he hopes will be heard soon.
Further, Ali accused Ghosh of corruption, including taking bribes of 20% to award work orders or contracts and deliberately failing students. He described Ghosh as operating like a "mafia person."
Ghosh has been under intense scrutiny following the recent rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Hospital. His resignation from the hospital, citing moral responsibility, was quickly followed by his appointment to head Calcutta National Medical College, a move that was met with sharp criticism. The Calcutta High Court questioned this swift reappointment, suggesting that he should be on "long leave" instead of being placed in another position of authority.
The High Court also expressed concern over the delay in filing a police case after the discovery of the young doctor's body on August 9 and questioned whether the ruling Trinamool Congress party was protecting Ghosh. In response to these mounting allegations, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government has ordered a special police team to investigate the claims against Ghosh.
In addition to these charges, Ghosh may face further legal trouble for allegedly disclosing the identity of the murdered doctor.