CBI Intensifies Investigation into RG Kar Medical College Case: Why Ex-Deputy Sanjay Vashishth Was Questioned

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/25th August 2024

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is deepening its probe into the tragic rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which has drawn significant public and media attention. On Sunday, the CBI conducted extensive raids across 15 locations, including premises linked to the former principal, Sandip Ghosh, and his ex-deputy, former medical superintendent and vice principal, Sanjay Vashishth. The CBI’s investigation extends beyond the tragic incident to uncover alleged financial irregularities at the state-run hospital.

These raids, conducted by the CBI’s anti-corruption unit, targeted not only the residences and offices of Ghosh and Vashishth but also those involved in supplying materials crucial for patient care at the hospital. This broadening of the investigation highlights the agency’s focus on potential corruption and mismanagement within the hospital administration during Ghosh’s tenure.

The CBI’s interest in Vashishth stems from his role as the medical superintendent and vice principal during the period in question. As a key figure in the hospital’s administration, Vashishth is being questioned about his knowledge of the alleged financial misconduct that took place under his watch. A CBI officer confirmed that Vashishth’s interrogation centers on his awareness and involvement in any irregularities during his tenure as MSVP (Medical Superintendent and Vice Principal). The agency is trying to ascertain the extent of his knowledge and whether he was complicit or merely negligent.

The investigation has been rigorous, with CBI officers visiting Ghosh’s residence early in the morning. However, they faced delays in gaining access, only managing to enter about 90 minutes after their arrival. Despite this delay, the team began questioning Ghosh at his Beliaghata residence from 8 a.m., while another group of officers interrogated Vashishth. Additionally, a professor from the forensic medicine department was also questioned, indicating the CBI’s thorough approach in exploring all possible angles of the case.

The CBI’s activities on Sunday weren’t limited to these individuals. Another team was dispatched to the residence of a supplier in Howrah, further suggesting that the investigation is looking into broader networks of financial transactions and supplies related to the hospital.

In a parallel development, the CBI also scrutinized the former principal’s office within the hospital and inspected the canteen located in the academic building. Moreover, the current principal, Manas Kumar Bandyopadhyay, was summoned to the hospital early in the morning and was asked to accompany the CBI team during their on-site investigation.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, a former colleague of Sandip Ghosh has made serious allegations, claiming that Ghosh was involved in the illegal business of dead bodies. These accusations, coupled with the ongoing investigation into financial irregularities, have painted a disturbing picture of the hospital’s administration during Ghosh’s leadership.

The hospital gained nationwide attention following the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor inside the seminar hall during her extended 36-hour shift. The main suspect, Sanjay Roy, has been arrested, but the CBI is leaving no stone unturned in exploring the possibility of a larger conspiracy involving senior officials.

The investigation reached a critical point when Ghosh and four other doctors were subjected to polygraph tests. The CBI is determined to uncover whether these individuals were part of a broader conspiracy that led to the heinous crime, or if their negligence allowed such a tragedy to occur.

As the CBI continues its investigation, the case has become a symbol of the potential corruption and mismanagement that can plague vital public institutions. The findings of this probe could have far-reaching implications, not just for those directly involved, but for the broader medical and administrative community in India.