The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has escalated its investigation into the alleged financial irregularities at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, conducting extensive searches across 15 locations on Sunday. These locations included the residences and offices of key individuals involved in the case, most notably Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the institution. The investigation, which is now under the purview of the CBI, follows a corruption case that has garnered significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations.
This intensification of the probe occurred just a day after the CBI formally registered the case, taking over from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) previously established by the West Bengal government. The SIT had been investigating the financial mismanagement within the hospital, but the case took on a new dimension when a trainee doctor at the hospital was horrifically raped and murdered on August 9. This tragic event, combined with the corruption allegations, prompted the Calcutta High Court to transfer the entire investigation to the CBI. The court’s decision was influenced by a petition from Akhtar Ali, the former Deputy Superintendent of the hospital, who brought to light the financial discrepancies that allegedly occurred during Ghosh’s tenure.
Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj, in his ruling, underscored the importance of a unified investigation to avoid inefficiencies and ensure that justice is served comprehensively. He expressed concerns that dividing the investigation between multiple agencies could lead to delays, and inconsistencies, and potentially compromise the integrity of the judicial process. To this end, the High Court has ordered the CBI to provide a detailed progress report on their findings within three weeks, demonstrating the urgency and importance of this case.
The CBI's investigation is not only focused on financial misconduct but also on the shocking crime that occurred within the hospital premises. As part of their inquiry, on Saturday, Sandip Ghosh and four other individuals were subjected to polygraph tests at the CBI's office in Kolkata. The individuals tested included two doctors, an intern, and a staff member who were all present in the hospital on the night of the trainee doctor's death. These tests were conducted by specialists from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Delhi, highlighting the CBI's commitment to employing every available resource to uncover the truth.
The investigation into the trainee doctor's death has already resulted in the arrest of Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, who has been implicated in the crime. Roy is also scheduled to undergo a polygraph test as the CBI continues to build its case. The agency’s actions, including the raids and polygraph tests, are part of a broader strategy to piece together the events leading up to the trainee doctor’s murder and to expose any financial malfeasance at the hospital.
The case has drawn widespread public attention, not only because of the brutal nature of the crime but also due to the potential involvement of high-ranking officials in the alleged corruption. The CBI’s investigation is seen as a crucial step in restoring faith in the judicial process and ensuring that those responsible for both the financial irregularities and the heinous crime are held accountable.
As the investigation progresses, there is significant anticipation regarding the findings that will emerge from the CBI’s probe. The upcoming report, which is expected to be submitted to the High Court in the coming weeks, will likely shed more light on the extent of the corruption within RG Kar Medical College and the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of the trainee doctor. The public and the media continue to follow the case closely, as it represents a critical test of the CBI’s ability to handle such complex and sensitive investigations effectively.
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