The West Bengal government is reportedly set to initiate a departmental proceeding (DP) against Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, amid allegations of financial irregularities and corruption.
According to a report from The Times of India, a fact-finding committee examines the charges, including claims of disproportionate assets and violations of Dr Ghosh’s eligibility for a non-practising allowance. As a principal, he was entitled to the allowance under the condition that he refrain from practising as a surgeon, a restriction now under scrutiny as part of the ongoing probe.
In addition to the departmental investigation, Dr Ghosh faces an FIR filed by the state health department for alleged financial misconduct. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also involved, examining possible links between Dr Ghosh and the tragic rape and murder of a medical intern at RG Kar on August 9, which has sparked widespread calls for accountability within the medical institution.
An official from Nabanna, the state’s administrative headquarters, shared that the DP will commence once concrete evidence is gathered. “The probe will check if he had disproportionate assets compared to his known sources of income,” the official stated, as per the Times of India report. The committee’s fact-finding efforts will culminate in a formal list of charges, which will then be communicated to Dr Ghosh, allowing him to respond before the committee.
Under this investigation, Dr. Ghosh’s salary and personal savings will be thoroughly examined to determine whether they align with his reported income. The case has intensified focus on ethical and financial standards within West Bengal’s healthcare system as state authorities push for transparency in light of recent events. With the potential DP and CBI inquiry in progress, the coming weeks may reveal further details about the scope of these allegations and the repercussions for Dr Ghosh.
