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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered a complex web of corruption involving Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. During a search of Dr. Ghosh's residence, the CBI seized documents indicating that he awarded contracts to favored vendors, resulting in financial losses for the government. This investigation stems from the ongoing probe into the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the hospital, where Dr. Ghosh is implicated. The CBI's findings suggest a nexus between Dr. Ghosh and several co-accused, namely Biplab Singha and Suman Hazra.
The investigation has revealed that Biplab Singha, a close associate of Dr. Ghosh since his time at Murshidabad Medical College, operated several companies, including Maa Tara Traders, Baba Loknath, and Tiasha Enterprises. Through these companies, Singha participated in tenders, manipulating bids to secure contracts for himself and his associates. Singha's alleged involvement extends beyond medical supplies, as evidence suggests that his company was awarded contracts for furniture, including sofas and refrigerators. Suman Hazra, another close associate of Dr. Ghosh, also received contracts for items beyond medical equipment, including sofas and refrigerators. His business reportedly tripled between 2021 and 2022, raising further suspicion of his involvement in the alleged corruption scheme.
The CBI's investigation has uncovered numerous irregularities in the tender process. Work order letters were addressed to different hospital officials but never delivered to them, indicating a deliberate attempt to conceal the awarding of contracts. The lack of transparency in the process, coupled with the involvement of Dr. Ghosh's close associates in receiving contracts for unrelated items, strongly suggests that these contracts were not awarded based on merit but rather on personal relationships. The accusations against Dr. Ghosh extend beyond financial impropriety. He has been accused of selling unclaimed bodies and biomedial waste, and of deliberately failing students who refused to pay bribes. The Calcutta High Court, responding to a petition by former deputy superintendent Akhtar Ali, transferred the investigation into alleged financial irregularities at RG Kar Hospital to the CBI. The ongoing investigation will likely reveal further details about the extent of the alleged corruption and the individuals involved. These allegations raise serious concerns about accountability and transparency in the management of public institutions, particularly in the medical sector.
Source: Ex-RG Kar principal gave contracts for sofas, fridges to medical supplier: Sources