Tensions Rise as Former RG Kar Principal Sandip Ghosh Slapped Outside Kolkata Court Amid Corruption Case
The RG Kar Medical College and Hospital corruption case took a dramatic turn on Tuesday, when former principal Sandip Ghosh was slapped outside the Alipore court in Kolkata. Ghosh, arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation along with his additional security guard Afsar Ali and two associates, was taken in amidst a hostile crowd of lawyers and bystanders hooting slogans of “chor, chor” and escorted out the same way. The incident has raised the temperature further in this high-profile case, which has already led to Ghosh’s suspension from the West Bengal Health Department.
Arrest and Charges
The CBI arrested Sandip Ghosh on Monday, September 2, after questioning him for close to 150 hours. The Ghosh guard, Afsar Ali, was also arrested, as were two others known as Biplab Singha and Suman Hazra, who were both believed to be close to Ghosh. These are part of a bigger investigation into corruption allegations in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The corruption case began with a high court-assigned FIR, where the CBI was ordered to investigate the case. Very serious charges have been levied against Ghosh and his other co-accused, namely criminal conspiracy, cheating, and infringements under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Three private Kolkata-based entities, Ma Tara Traders, Eshan Cafe, and Khama Louha, have also been indicted in the said FIR, further broadening the scope of investigation.
Appearance in Court and Public Backlash
On Tuesday, when the Alipore court had to deal with Sandip Ghosh and his co-accused, the situation turned out to be really drenched in anger and frustration. As Ghosh entered the courtroom, he was surrounded by a mass of lawyers and onlookers who screamed accusations of theft and corruption. It became even stormier as Ghosh left the court amidst an agitated crowd.
People scrambled as CBI officials and CISF tried to escort Ghosh and others to their vehicle. One managed to break through the security detail and gave Ghosh a quick slap in the chaos. Anger like this is just an example of the great resentment and general distrust that has come into play due to this scam.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Status
During the hearing, it came out that while Afsar Ali, Biplab Singha, and Suman Hazra moved for bail, Sandip Ghosh did not. Such may just be a tactical decision on the part of Ghosh to perhaps avoid further scrutiny or build up a stronger line of defense. The court’s ruling with respect to the bail applications of the other accused will be highly awaited since this might set the course of the case.
Suspicion and Fall
On the heels of an investigation into these allegations and given the seriousness of these charges, Sandeep Ghosh was issued a suspension order from the West Bengal Health Department on Tuesday. This has completely relieved Ghosh from all duties and responsibilities of the department. He has also been divested of his responsibilities in the West Bengal Medical Council and all its committees-including its ethics committee.
It shows the gravity with which the state government is taking the allegations, and Ghosh’s suspension is also seen as a major step in distancing the Health Department from the scandal, amid growing public pressure and media scrutiny.
Origins of the Investigation
It all started when Dr. Akhtar Ali, then the deputy superintendent of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, sought assistance from ED into alleged financial improprieties. But the case was subsequently transferred to CBI by the Calcutta High Court in connection with another case pursued by the latter relating to the suspicious death of a doctor in Kolkata.
With the CBI, therefore, investigations got a fresh turn leading to the arrest of Ghosh and his associates. For its part, the investigating agency has unearthed an alleged web of corruption between several private entities. This places a question mark on the extent of malpractices within the medical college and its ramification in the state healthcare system.
Conclusion
The case of corruption at RG Kar Medical College is unfolding fast, with every development adding to the growing anger and distrust among people. The slap that Sandip Ghosh got outside Kolkata court had been a grim and vivid reminder of the cauldron of emotions that has been stirred up by this case. As the trial progresses, with further deepening of the CBI investigation, the future of Ghosh and other accused in this case remains uncertain.
An order from the West Bengal Health Department against Ghosh in suspension adds to the issue, symbolizing determination on behalf of the state to remove corruption. The case, while running its course through the courts, will most definitely have wider ramifications, affecting not just the main protagonists but also the medical and political fraternity of West Bengal at large.
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