West Bengal Government Clears Prosecution of Former RG Kar Principal

The West Bengal government on Monday, May 18, approved the prosecution of former R G Kar Medical College and Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh over alleged financial irregularities during his tenure. The Department of Health and Family Welfare issued an order stating that the governor, as the competent authority, granted sanction for Ghosh’s prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The case involves alleged financial misconduct in procurement and related matters at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. Following a Calcutta High Court order on August 23, 2024, the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch took over the investigation from Tala police station. The CBI registered a case against Ghosh and three entities—Maa Tara Traders, Eshan Cafe, and Khama Louha—under sections related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The Enforcement Directorate also initiated a money laundering investigation by registering an ECIR in August 2024, as the alleged offences are scheduled under the PMLA. The government order noted that materials examined revealed criminal acts of commission and omission by Ghosh. A senior health department official stated the sanction was necessary for prosecution in a competent court and was issued in public interest.

Ghosh has been under scrutiny by central agencies since last year over alleged corruption and financial misconduct linked to hospital administration and procurement practices. The case gained national attention in 2024 following the rape and murder of a doctor on the hospital premises.