‘Running mafia-like operation’: Big allegations by Dr Sandip Ghosh’s ex-colleagues

Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, is at the center of a controversy after the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. Many questioned how Ghosh, who assumed from the post two days after the rape case surfaced, was quickly assigned the top post of another state-run hospital despite mounting criticism of the way he handled the situation at RG Kar hospital.

The CBI, which is probing the rape and murder case, has also investigated Dr Ghosh for three days in a row.

Now, former colleagues and batchmates of Dr Ghosh have come forward with accusations against him, ranging from corruption and misconduct to ethical violations – running a “mafia-like operation”.

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO A CONTROVERSIAL RISE

Dr Ghosh’s journey began in the small town of Bangaon, where he completed his higher secondary education at Bongaon High School in 1989. He later pursued a medical degree at RG Kar Medical College, graduating in 1994.

His early career appeared unremarkable, a steady climb through the ranks of the medical profession. But in 2021, Ghosh’s rise to the top of the institution that had once nurtured him was anything but ordinary.

A professor from another hospital in Bengal, speaking to India Today TV on terms of anonymity, claimed that Ghosh ranked sixteenth during the interview process for the principal position. Yet, he secured the top spot, becoming the principal of RG Kar Medical College.

This rapid ascent, shrouded in mystery, would soon be followed by a series of events that would cast a long shadow over his tenure.

A LEGACY OF ALLEGATIONS

During his time as principal of RG Kar hospital, Ghosh was accused of engaging in corrupt practices, including allegations of financial misconduct, claims of extorting money through illegal commissions and manipulating tenders, sources said.

More disturbingly, Ghosh was accused of redirecting corpses meant for post-mortem to unauthorized uses — a violation that struck at the core of medical ethics.

A former classmate of Ghosh, who spoke to India Today TV on condition of anonymity, expressed her surprise at the man her former colleague had become.

“During our college years, he wasn’t known for any notorious behavior,” she said. “But power can change people, and it seems that might be the case with him.”

She also noted that Ghosh’s first appointment was as the MSVP (Medical Superintendent cum Vice Principal) of National Medical College, hinting at a pattern of rapid, perhaps questionable, career advancements.

As the complaints against Ghosh mounted, they reached the state Health Department, prompting an inquiry. However, despite being transferred twice, Ghosh managed to reverse these orders with the alleged backing of a group of students and interns who protested in his favor.

‘MAFIA-LIKE’ OPERATION

The accusations against Ghosh did not end with financial corruption. Former colleagues have painted a picture of a principal who ran RG Kar Medical College like a personal fiefdom.

Dr Akhtar Ali, a former deputy superintendent of the college, did not mince words in his assessment of Ghosh. “He is a very corrupt person,” Dr Ali claims.

“He used to fail students, and takes 20 per cent commission. In the case of tenders, RG Kar used to extort money from every work of medical college and hospital, and supply liquor to students in the guest house. He is like a mafia man, very powerful. I had complained against him earlier in 2023 but I was transferred after that,” he added.

On Ghosh resigning in the aftermath of the trainee doctor’s rape and murder, Ali said, “His resignation (after the rape and murder) was an eyewash. He was appointed the principal of Calcutta National Medical College within eight hours,” he said.

The situation reached a critical point following a tragic incident that shook the medical community: the rape and murder of a woman doctor on duty at RG Kar hospital. This horrifying event triggered widespread outrage among students and staff at hospital, leading to calls for Ghosh’s resignation.

Despite numerous complaints and an ongoing investigation by the CBI, Dr Ghosh has managed to maintain his position for an extended period, with allegations of manipulation and influence to reverse his transfers and maintain his role.

RG KAR CASE AND CBI PROBE

On Sunday, Dr Ghosh appeared before the CBI for the third round of questioning.

The CBI team who questioned Ghosh on Saturday for nearly 13 hours asked him to appear before the agency again as officials seek more information from him.

During the questioning on Saturday, CBI officials sought details about his actions after he learned of the woman’s death and whom he had contacted. The former principal was also asked why he made the parents wait for nearly three hours.

Following the incident, a room adjacent to the seminar hall was renovated amid the controversy, and Ghosh was asked about who had ordered the work.