Mamata Banerjee’s Birthday Wish to Controversial Ex-Principal Sandip Ghosh Surfaces Amid RG Kar College Scandal

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/25th August 2024

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s 2022 birthday wish to Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, has come under scrutiny following the recent brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at the institution. The letter, recently accessed by the India Today team, has raised questions about Dr. Ghosh’s close relationship with the Chief Minister, especially as he is now under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Dr. Ghosh, who has been in the spotlight due to his alleged involvement in the RG Kar College case, was part of a select group of individuals who received personalized birthday wishes from CM Banerjee. This connection suggests that Dr. Ghosh was well-connected within the administration and the ruling Trinamool Congress. This has led to speculation about his influence and protection within the political and administrative circles.

BJP leader Priyanka Tibrewal was quick to point out that Dr. Ghosh’s connections were no secret. She noted that despite the severe allegations against him, including marathon questioning by the CBI, Dr. Ghosh managed to retain his position at RG Kar College even after a special committee was formed to investigate irregularities at the institution. Tibrewal implied that his close ties to the Chief Minister might have shielded him from repercussions.

Dr. Ghosh’s actions during his tenure have been widely criticized, with both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court expressing concerns over his conduct. After his resignation from RG Kar Medical College, he was controversially appointed as the principal of another medical college, raising further suspicions. The Calcutta High Court, in response to this, placed Dr. Ghosh on indefinite leave, and the Bengal government was forced to revoke his transfer order following public and judicial outcry.

The Supreme Court, which took suo moto cognizance of the RG Kar College case, questioned Dr. Ghosh’s delay in filing a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the incident, adding to the suspicions surrounding his role. The Court demanded answers from the Bengal government, pressing them to explain Dr. Ghosh’s delayed response and his communications during the critical period following the crime.

In a significant development, the CBI has been granted permission to conduct a polygraph test on Dr. Ghosh and four other doctors in connection with the case. This step underscores the seriousness of the allegations against Dr. Ghosh and the ongoing investigation into his actions.

The controversy surrounding Dr. Ghosh has brought to light broader concerns about corruption and mismanagement during his tenure. Accusations have emerged of him being involved in a range of illegal activities, including the alleged sale of unclaimed bodies. Akhtar Ali, the former Deputy Superintendent of RG Kar Medical College, has accused Dr. Ghosh of financial irregularities, including the misuse of government funds, nepotism in vendor selection, and bribery in the recruitment of contractual staff.

In response to these damning allegations, the Trinamool Congress government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the claims against Dr. Ghosh. The investigation will look into the numerous charges that have surfaced, aiming to uncover the extent of corruption and malpractice during his time in office.

As the investigation unfolds, Dr. Sandip Ghosh’s connections and the protection he may have enjoyed are likely to remain under the spotlight, with the outcome potentially impacting both his fate and the reputation of those associated with him.