Kolkata Rape-Murder: allegations of selling corpses and corruption against Sandip Ghosh

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, on Monday night. His arrest comes three weeks after a doctor was found raped and murdered in the seminar hall of the hospital. Ghosh, who was already under scrutiny, was arrested for financial irregularities at the hospital. Along with Ghosh, his security guard Afsar Ali and two hospital vendors, Biplav Singha and Sumana Hazara, were also taken into custody.

Ghosh's involvement in the case raised concerns after the Calcutta High Court noted that he should have been the first person questioned in connection with the doctor's murder. The victim's family accused Ghosh of trying to cover up the crime as a suicide. The Supreme Court also criticized his role in the aftermath of the incident. Ghosh was questioned daily by the CBI for 15 days before his arrest.

Allegations of corruption and misconduct

Ghosh served as the principal of RG Kar Medical College from February 2021 to September 2023. Although he was transferred in October 2023, he returned to his position within a month and remained there until the doctor's death. The financial investigation against Ghosh began after a complaint from his former colleague, Dr. Akhtar Ali, who accused him of corruption. Dr. Ali claimed that Ghosh was involved in the illegal sale of unclaimed corpses, trafficking of biomedical waste, and awarding tenders in exchange for kickbacks from suppliers of medicines and medical equipment.

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The CBI has filed charges against Ghosh and three private entities under criminal conspiracy, cheating, and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The agency had previously arrested Sanjay Roy, the main suspect in the rape and murder of the doctor. Roy was caught on CCTV entering the seminar hall where the doctor was found. He claimed innocence, saying the woman was already unconscious when he entered the room. The CBI's investigation continues as they look into both the financial and criminal aspects of the case.