Dr. Sandip Ghosh: A Tale of Transfers and Reinstatements Of The Former Principal of RG Kar Medical College

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/16th August 2024

Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former Principal of RG Kar Medical College, has become a prominent figure in the news, not solely due to his role but due to the controversies and repeated transfers that have marked his career. His tenure has been a roller-coaster of high-profile incidents and abrupt administrative decisions.

Initially, Dr. Ghosh was appointed as the Principal of RG Kar Medical College on February 9, 2021, transitioning from his position as Vice Principal at Calcutta National Medical College. His appointment came through an order by the Department of Health and Family Welfare of West Bengal. However, his time at RG Kar has been fraught with issues, including significant protests and controversies.

One of the early controversies during Dr. Ghosh’s term involved student unrest. Shortly after his appointment, more than 350 students staged a hunger strike to protest the administration’s refusal to establish separate councils for student and hostel management. This unrest highlighted the friction between the students and the college authorities, reflecting challenges in administrative leadership.

In January 2023, RG Kar was embroiled in another scandal. Reports emerged alleging that bodies intended for autopsy were being used for dissection practicals without the consent of the deceased’s families. Dr. Ghosh promised to address these concerns through an internal investigation, but the incident further tainted his tenure.

Dr. Ghosh’s transfer saga began on May 31, 2023, when the West Bengal government decided to replace him with Dr. Sanath Ghosh. However, Dr. Sanath’s attempt to assume the role was thwarted by a locked Principal’s office, reportedly locked by Dr. Sandip Ghosh. Within 24 hours, the government reversed the transfer order, and Dr. Ghosh remained at RG Kar.

The saga continued with a second transfer order on September 11, 2023, moving Dr. Ghosh to Murshidabad Medical College. This time, his replacement, Dr. Manas Kumar Bandopadhyay, faced a blockade of protesting students, demanding Dr. Ghosh’s return. Allegations surfaced that these protests were orchestrated by certain factions within the college, further complicating the situation.

Dr. Ghosh’s career took another twist on October 9, 2023, when he was reinstated as Principal of RG Kar, merely a month after his transfer. The swift reappointment was seen as a significant administrative maneuver, highlighting the volatility of his position. The order from the Governor appointed Dr. Ghosh back to RG Kar, despite the previous transfer order, reflecting the ongoing instability surrounding his role.

The latest controversy erupted as Dr. Ghosh resigned from RG Kar, only to receive a new appointment mere hours later. The Calcutta High Court intervened, criticizing the Mamata Banerjee government for the quick reinstatement and directing Dr. Ghosh to take indefinite leave. This court order underscores the ongoing public and legal scrutiny Dr. Ghosh faces.

The repeated transfers and reinstatements of Dr. Ghosh underscore the challenges of managing institutional leadership amid controversies and administrative turbulence. His tenure at RG Kar has been marked by significant unrest and contentious decisions, making him a central figure in discussions about leadership and governance in the medical education sector.