CBI Arrests Former RG Kar Principal Sandip Ghosh; Protesting Doctors Hail It As First Step To 'Justice'

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday arrested Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in connection with a case pertaining to alleged financial irregularities in the institution. Ghosh, who had previously been interrogated by the CBI Special Crime Branch, is now in the custody of the Anti-Corruption Branch.

The arrest follows the CBI's inclusion of Ghosh in an FIR related to its investigation into alleged financial misconduct during his tenure at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This comes on the heels of a search operation conducted by the CBI on August 25 at Ghosh's residence in Beliaghata, Kolkata.

Dr. Ghosh's time as principal of RG Kar MCH was marred by controversy, including his removal and subsequent reinstatement following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor. In response to these allegations, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) suspended Ghosh’s membership. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also launched a money laundering probe related to the financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College during his administration.

"Former Principal of RG Kar Medical College, Sandeep Ghosh, has been arrested by CBI. Despite TMC govt's attempts to destroy evidence, his corruption and wrongdoings will soon be exposed. The people of Bengal deserve the truth, and this arrest is a crucial step towards it" said BJP state President Sukanta Majumder following the arrest of former RG Kar Principal Sandip Ghosh.

The rape and murder of the postgraduate trainee earlier on August 9 has sparked national outrage. The victim was found in a seminar hall with severe injuries. Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, has been arrested as the main suspect. Following a Calcutta High Court order on August 13, the investigation was transferred from the Kolkata Police to the CBI, which commenced its probe the next day.

The news of Ghosh's arrest was welcomed by protesting junior doctors who had been demanding 'justice' for the deceased medical student of RG Kar. Celebrations broke out at a protest demonstration led by RG Kar junior doctors near Kolkata's central avenue. Since the brutal crime of August 9, several doctors have upped the ante against Ghosh for not being empathetic towards the loss. "We welcome the arrest. But our core demand stays and this justice for the doctor who was raped and killed. We want the truth to come out. Sandip Ghosh had been running their reign where many people had enjoyed impunity, that had also emboldened the wrongs. So his arrest is the first step to justice. But he has not been arrested for rape and murder. We want truth in the rape case to come out. Nothing less and nothing more", said a doctor, part of a protest demonstration near Lal Bazar, Kolkata Police Head quarter.