Kolkata: A special CBI court expressed its frustration on Thursday over the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) delay to notify the trial court about the prosecution sanction order from the West Bengal government against Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, who is embroiled in corruption allegations.
According to reports, Ghosh's lawyer, Zohaib Rauf, informed the court the CBI had obtained the necessary sanction order on January 27, but did not relay this important development to the trial court, provoking the judge's ire. Consequently, the court issued a show cause notice to the CBI demanding justification for failing to comply.
Despite the CBI's failure to update the trial court, they did manage to present the sanction order to the Calcutta High Court earlier this week. The special court indicated it expects to begin the charge-framing process within the next few days. On Friday, the court is scheduled to reconvene for its next hearing.
Meanwhile, Ghosh's wife faced her own administrative upheaval, being transferred from the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to Beliaghata ID Hospital. This transfer coincides with the broader fallout from the institutional scandal, which has also ignited public interest.
Notably, this case emerged amid the tragic backdrop of the rape and murder of 31-year-old postgraduate trainee Dr. Rituparna Dutta at RG Kar Medical College, which heightened scrutiny on the administration. The follies of Ghosh and his associates have not only had personal repercussions but have also functioned as catalysts for broader examination of governance and ethics within the institution.
On the political front, the parents of the victim sought intervention from influential authorities, visiting Raj Bhavan to meet Governor CV Ananda Bose. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the CBI's handling of both the corruption case and their daughter's tragic incident, asking for help securing meetings with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah. Following their meeting, the Governor assured the grieving parents of his support and asked them to email him their request, expressing his willingness to facilitate their outreach to national leaders.
Earlier, BJP state president and Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar visited the victim’s family, aligning himself with their framed petition to the CBI. The BJP has been vocal about the need for transparency and accountability from the investigating agency, advocating for justice not only for the victim but also concerning the larger issues relating to corruption at RG Kar Medical College.
Further complicity was suggested by the legal ramifications surrounding Ghosh and four others, with the CBI recently filing a detailed chargesheet against them. The agency accused Ghosh and others of serious financial irregularities, including manipulation of tenders and dealings with private contractors, and even sold human organs from unidentified bodies. A parallel investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is concurrently examining money laundering allegations linked to this institutional rot.
The CBI's earlier chargesheet, submitted to the court on November 29, 2024, detailed accusations against Ghosh, his assistant Afsar Ali, private contractors Biplab Sinha and Suman Hazra, and junior doctor Ashish Pandey. All five have faced judicial custody and maintained their innocence, challenging the legitimacy of the government’s prosecutorial actions.
Delays leading to the trial process and charge framing have been lambasted by the judiciary, as there are growing calls for expedient actions to restore integrity within this organizational edifice. Special court judge Sujit Kumar Jha highlighted the dissatisfaction with the CBI’s procedural lapses and demanded accountability.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh had previously insisted on expediting processes post receipt of necessary approvals from the government, emphasizing the importance of upholding legal timelines. Following the submission of the government's nod, the judge asked the CBI to bring all evidence, including electronic records, at the next court hearing to facilitate the beginning of the trial process by February 6.
Sandip Ghosh's bid for additional time was swiftly rejected by the Calcutta High Court, with the judge maintaining the urgency due to prior delays. This reaffirmation reflects the judiciary's commitment to eliminating unnecessary procrastination and ensuring accountability.
The case has emerged as pivotal not just for the individuals involved but also for the reputation of RG Kar Medical College, long regarded as one of Kolkata’s prestigious institutions. Engaged parties, including political figures, civic leaders, and the bereaved families of the victims, have heightened the spotlight on systemic issues within this medical institution, advocating for ethical practices and accountability.
The outcome of the judicial proceedings could have lasting ramifications on medical governance statewide, particularly concerning fiscal accountability and preventive measures against corruption. Every involved entity, from the CBI to the judicial representation, has been carefully evaluated for effectiveness, and the legal discourse will undoubtedly engage public attention as it progresses.