CBI investigates corruption at RG Kar Medical College; key officials named

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is scrutinizing two senior doctors at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital—Sujata Ghosh and Debasish Som—as part of its probe into alleged financial irregularities and corruption. Ghosh holds the position of Associate Professor in the Anaesthesiology department, while Som serves as a professor in the Forensic and State Medicine department. Both doctors have ties to Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the college, who was arrested on September 2 for his involvement in a corruption case linked to hospital operations.

The CBI's investigation focuses on accusations of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act. A CBI source revealed that if their direct involvement in the alleged scam is established, Ghosh and Som could face imminent arrest. The investigation has already involved multiple raids, with Som's residence being searched, and he was previously summoned for questioning, during which he was admitted to a private hospital due to health concerns. Ghosh has also been interrogated several times by the CBI regarding her potential involvement.

The CBI recently sent a letter to West Bengal’s Health Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam, demanding an explanation for why Ghosh and Som are still serving in their roles despite the ongoing investigation. This inquiry stems from a Supreme Court hearing on September 30, where it was pointed out that some individuals under investigation remain in their positions at RG Kar Medical College. The Supreme Court ordered the state government to take swift action if preliminary evidence of complicity among these officials is provided by the CBI.

In a significant development, the CBI has already compiled a list of officials under scrutiny and communicated it to the state government. During the Supreme Court hearing, the state's lawyer affirmed that the government would take necessary actions against implicated officials, regardless of their influence or stature. The court emphasized that if the CBI shares names of implicated officials, the state must act in accordance with the law.