The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday announced to the Calcutta High Court that it has secured approval from the West Bengal government to prosecute Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, over allegations of financial irregularities.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, presiding over the case, has instructed the special court handling the matter to proceed with framing charges within one week from the next hearing date. This directive aims to expedite the trial process and ensure a swift resolution to the case.
During the court session, the CBI’s counsel highlighted that the sanction for prosecution encompasses not only Sandip Ghosh but also another former official associated with the financial mismanagement at the hospital. The allegations pertain to Ghosh’s tenure at the state-run medical institution in Kolkata.
In response to a petition filed by Akhtar Ali, a former official at RG Kar Hospital, the High Court had previously ordered a CBI investigation into the claims, a decision which was later upheld by the Supreme Court. Following the investigation, Ghosh was arrested and is currently under judicial remand.
Further details provided by the CBI included the filing of a chargesheet on November 29, 2024, setting the stage for the upcoming trial. Justice Ghosh urged the CBI to ensure the trial begins promptly to determine if the evidence gathered is sufficient for framing charges.
Additionally, the court was informed of related investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) concerning the alleged money trail linked to the accused. The ED’s legal representative noted that the agency has conducted 22 searches and is actively investigating the flow of funds implicated in the case.
