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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered substantial evidence in its corruption investigation against former RG Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh. The CBI's Anti-Corruption Branch conducted searches at Ghosh's residence, the office of former medical superintendent Sanjay Vashisth, and 13 other locations in and around Kolkata as part of their probe into alleged financial irregularities at the institute. The searches, carried out by a large team of central forces, began early in the morning, with Ghosh's residence being reached around 6 am. However, the CBI team was forced to wait for almost an hour and a half before Ghosh opened the door.
When asked about the findings of the searches, a CBI official simply said, “…Bahut kuch hai (there is a lot)” in Hindi, hinting at the significant evidence discovered. The CBI had initiated the corruption investigation against Ghosh by filing an FIR on Saturday. The anti-corruption unit also searched the residences and offices of those involved in supplying materials for patient care and management. The investigation is a direct result of the Calcutta High Court's directives to the CBI to look into both the alleged killing of a postgraduate trainee woman doctor at the hospital and the financial irregularities. The Calcutta High Court, in its order, had directed the CBI to register cases against Ghosh and three private entities – Ma Tara Traders, Eshan CafA, and Khama Louha – for their alleged involvement in the crimes.
The FIR, filed by the CBI, accuses Ghosh and the private entities of criminal conspiracy (IPC section 120 B), cheating (IPC section 420), and violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act. At least seven CBI officers questioned Ghosh at his Beliaghata residence starting from 8 am. Other teams interrogated Vashisth, the former medical superintendent and vice principal of the hospital, along with a professor from the forensic-medicine department. The questioning of Vashisth focused on his knowledge of the financial irregularities that occurred during his tenure as MSVP. The CBI teams also conducted searches at Ghosh's office in the hospital and the canteen in the academic building.
The backdrop to this investigation is the tragic murder of a postgraduate trainee woman doctor in the seminar hall of the hospital on August 9th. Following the incident, a Kolkata Police civic volunteer was arrested. The gruesome crime sparked nationwide protests from doctors and citizens alike, bringing the issue of safety and security within healthcare institutions to the forefront. The CBI's investigation, focused on both the murder and the alleged financial irregularities, is expected to shed light on the systemic issues plaguing the hospital and hold those responsible accountable.
Source: Bahut kuch hai: CBI hints major probe findings against ex-RG Kar College principal Sandeep Ghosh