The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations on Friday at multiple locations in West Bengal, including Howrah, Sonarpur, and Hooghly, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct at RG Kar Medical Centre and Hospital. The raids are connected to a case involving significant financial irregularities at the government-run institution.
One of the locations targeted by the ED was the premises of a relative of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical Centre and Hospital. Dr. Ghosh has been under scrutiny following a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at the hospital in August. The incident had sparked nationwide outrage and protests.
The CBI’s investigation into the trainee doctor’s murder uncovered evidence of financial misconduct, leading to the registration of an FIR against Dr. Ghosh. The charges include criminal conspiracy, cheating, dishonesty, and violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act. These offenses are serious in nature and carry non-bailable warrants.
Dr. Ghosh, who served as principal from February 2021 to September 2023, was arrested by the CBI on September 2 in connection with the corruption case and is currently in custody. Despite being transferred in October 2023, he mysteriously resumed his role at the hospital shortly before the tragic incident occurred.
The ED’s raids aim to gather further evidence related to the financial irregularities under investigation.