Bengal govt sanctions prosecution of ex-RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh in graft case
The West Bengal Government- led by Suvendu Adhikari- on Monday granted sanction for the prosecution of former R G Kar Medical College and Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh in connection with alleged financial irregularities at the institution.
An order issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare stated that the competent authority, the governor, approved the prosecution under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Officials said the sanction was accorded after a “full and careful examination” of case records, including the FIR and related documents.
Case background
The case relates to alleged irregularities in procurement and allied administrative matters during Ghosh’s tenure as principal of the hospital.
The matter came under judicial scrutiny following an August 23, 2024, order of the Calcutta High Court, which directed an investigation into the allegations.
Subsequently, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the probe after an FIR was registered at Tala police station.
CBI and ED investigations
The CBI later filed a case against Ghosh and three entities—Maa Tara Traders, Eshan Cafe, and Khama Louha—on charges including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also initiated a parallel money laundering investigation after registering an ECIR in August 2024, noting that the alleged offences fall under scheduled offences under the PMLA.
Officials stated that “prima facie materials” indicated acts of commission and omission by Ghosh, forming the basis for prosecution approval.
Government stand
A senior state health department official said the sanction was required to proceed with legal action before a competent court and was issued in public interest after reviewing all relevant records.
Ghosh has been under investigation by central agencies since 2024 in connection with alleged corruption and financial misconduct linked to hospital administration and procurement practices.
The case had earlier drawn national attention following the rape and murder of a doctor on the hospital premises, which triggered wider scrutiny of the institution’s functioning.
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