In a significant legal development, Sandip Ghosh, the former Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, has approached the Supreme Court, challenging the Calcutta High Court's directive to transfer an ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged financial irregularities and mismanagement during his tenure to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Sandip Ghosh was at the helm of RG Kar Medical College during a period marked by controversy, most notably the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor on August 9. Following this tragic incident, the Calcutta High Court took a serious view of the situation and, on August 13, ordered the CBI to take over the investigation not only of the doctor's death but also of the alleged financial and administrative irregularities linked to Ghosh.
The allegations against Ghosh are grave and multifaceted. Former Deputy Superintendent Akhtar Ali, who moved the Calcutta High Court, accused Ghosh of numerous illegal activities, including the mismanagement of dead bodies, the reselling of biowaste in the open market, and the misutilization of public funds. These allegations have cast a shadow over Ghosh's tenure, raising concerns about the administration's integrity during his leadership.
The Calcutta High Court, particularly the bench led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya, expressed strong reservations about the State's delay in initiating an SIT probe. The court questioned why such an investigation was only launched after the doctor's death despite earlier complaints. The Court also criticized the decision to swiftly appoint Ghosh to another college within 12 hours of his resignation from RG Kar, implying that this move was an attempt to shield him from scrutiny.
Ghosh's Appeal to the Supreme Court
Ghosh's appeal to the Supreme Court is centered on his contention that the High Court ordered the CBI investigation without allowing him to present his case. He argues that the High Court's observations have unfairly linked the corruption allegations to the doctor's death, thereby tarnishing his reputation and career.
The case is scheduled for an admission hearing before a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on September 6. Ghosh's legal team is expected to argue that the High Court's decision was made in haste and without due process, seeking relief from the Supreme Court.
This case has garnered widespread public interest due to the serious nature of the allegations and the involvement of high-ranking officials in the investigation. The outcome of Ghosh's appeal could set a significant precedent for how allegations of financial irregularities and administrative mismanagement are handled in public institutions, particularly in cases where such allegations are linked to other serious crimes.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear Ghosh's plea, the legal community and the public will be closely watching the developments, awaiting the Court's judgment on whether the investigation should remain with the CBI or be reassigned.
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