Sale of corpses, 20% discount on failed students and more

In the wake of the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior PG doctor in Kolkata, a shocking series of allegations have emerged against Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The revelations paint a grim picture of alleged corruption and criminal activities during Ghosh’s tenure, and throw light on a chilling “mafia-like” regime within the institution.

There are allegations that Ghosh, who was appointed principal in 2021, was involved in diverting unclaimed bodies arriving at RG Kar Medical College for unauthorized use.

Also read: Kolkata rape, murder horror: Police suspend three officers over vandalism at RG Kar Hospital

“During our college days, he was not known for his remarkable behaviour,” a former classmate of Ghosh told India Today on condition of anonymity, adding: “But power can change people, and it seems that is the case with him.”

Former deputy superintendent Dr Akhtar Ali alleged that Ghosh was running a “bio-medical waste scam” where waste including rubber gloves, saline bottles, syringes and needles, which were normally supposed to be disposed of through authorised channels, were sold to unauthorised entities. These practices are in violation of the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016.

“Ghosh used to run a biomedical waste racket. The waste generated in the hospital every day, weighing 500-600 kg, was sold to unauthorized persons. The waste included rubber gloves, saline bottles, syringes, needles and other items. These can only be deposited at authorized centres for proper disposal and recycling,” Ali was quoted as saying in The Telegraph.

Dr. Ali also alleged that Ghosh extorted money from students and contractors. He took 20 percent commission from failed students in exchange for passing marks and certificates of attendance.

“He failed students and took 20 percent commission. In the case of tenders, RG Kar extorted money from every work of the medical college and hospital and supplied liquor to students in the hostel. He is like a mafia man, very powerful. I had complained against him earlier in 2023, but then I was transferred,” Ali alleged.

According to Ali, he had filed written complaints with the state vigilance commission, the anti-corruption bureau and the health department headquarters at Swasthya Bhavan on July 13, 2023.

“I had filed several complaints and tried to alert the government about the malpractices. But nothing happened and I was transferred from RG Kar. My wife, other family members and I started receiving threatening phone calls. The callers said that they would hurt us if I didn’t keep quiet. Later, I also filed a complaint with the complaints department of the Prime Minister,” Ali said.

Despite being transferred twice, Ghosh, with the support of student groups, managed to overturn the transfer orders. It was only after the gruesome crime had taken place that Ghosh resigned, stating that he could not respond to questions as the victim was “like his daughter”.

“His dismissal (after the rape and murder) was a sham. He was appointed principal of Calcutta National Medical College within eight hours,” Ali further noted.

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Kolkata Police have launched an investigation into Ghosh’s alleged financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the claims, and charges of forgery and criminal conspiracy have been filed against Ghosh under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

A recent complaint filed by the Special Secretary of the Health Ministry, Debal Saha, detailed allegations of collusive bidding and financial irregularities. The complaint highlighted that Ghosh and certain unscrupulous contractors were engaged in bid rigging, awarding contracts to companies like M/s Eshan Cafe, M/s Khama Louha and M/s Ma Tara Traders, allegedly in return for bribes.

As the investigation continues, the horrific revelations about Sandip Ghosh’s activities underscore the urgent need for a thorough probe into corruption at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The tragic death of the PG junior doctor has exposed the extent of the alleged criminal network led by Ghosh, raising serious concerns about the integrity and governance within the medical institution.