Staff selection scam at RG Kar: CBI probe reveals ex-principal Sandip Ghosh involvement

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating serious allegations of corruption involving the former principal of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Sandip Ghosh. This investigation comes in the wake of the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the institution. On September 2, 2024, Ghosh was arrested for his alleged involvement in financial irregularities related to the appointment of house staff and other misconduct during his tenure.

Allegations of Corruption at RG Kar Medical College

The CBI’s probe has revealed significant corruption in the appointment processes at RG Kar Medical College. According to reports, Ghosh and his associates manipulated student results to favor specific candidates for house staff positions after their MBBS internships. The agency reported that Ghosh “surpassed the process” and appointed house staff of his choosing without following proper protocols.

Lack of Transparency in Appointments

The CBI has flagged a lack of transparency in the recruitment process, particularly for the years 2022 and 2023. Investigators found that many doctors at the college were unaware of any official panel for selecting house staff. Ghosh allegedly conducted “fictitious interviews” where he predetermined the candidates he wanted to hire, disregarding merit entirely. Marks from these interviews were then manipulated and added to the final scores of the selected candidates, often in exchange for bribes.

Criminal Nexus and Bid Rigging

The investigation has also uncovered a “criminal nexus” involving Ghosh and other co-accused individuals, including Biplab Singha, Suman Hazra, and Afsar Ali. This group is accused of engaging in bid rigging to secure contracts for favored vendors, resulting in wrongful financial gains. The CBI’s submissions to the court indicate that Ghosh’s actions not only compromised the integrity of the medical college’s recruitment processes but also led to significant financial misconduct.

Specific Instances of Misconduct

Reports indicate that Ghosh awarded contracts for various supplies, including non-medical items like sofas and refrigerators, to vendors who were part of his network. For example, Biplab Singha’s company, Maa Tara Traders, was involved in these irregularities. The CBI has seized incriminating documents from Ghosh’s residence, further substantiating the claims of corruption and mismanagement.

Legal Proceedings and Public Outcry

In light of the ongoing investigation, Ghosh has faced public outrage and legal challenges. He has filed a petition with the Supreme Court, seeking to challenge the CBI’s probe into his alleged financial irregularities. Ghosh argues that the Calcutta High Court did not allow him a fair hearing before transferring the investigation to the CBI. However, the Supreme Court has dismissed his plea, emphasizing that the CBI should not be directed on how to conduct its investigations.

Arrest and Custody

As part of the investigation, Ghosh and three other co-accused were remanded to CBI custody for further interrogation. The agency has indicated that there is a larger network involved in these corrupt practices that needs to be uncovered. The CBI has charged Ghosh with multiple offenses, including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Implications for the Medical Community

The allegations against Ghosh have raised serious concerns within the medical community and the public. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) of Kolkata has suspended Ghosh’s membership in light of the charges against him. The case has sparked widespread discussions about the integrity of medical education and the importance of transparent recruitment processes in medical institutions.

The Broader Context

The investigation into Ghosh’s actions is part of a larger narrative surrounding the tragic death of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The CBI is examining the connections between the alleged financial misconduct and the circumstances of the doctor’s death. This dual investigation highlights the urgent need for reforms in the medical education system to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.