CBI or SIT, who will probe ex-principal of RG Kar Hospital? Calcutta High Court to State

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday asked the West Bengal government to clarify whether the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the State will investigate the allegations of financial irregularities against ex-principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital [Akhtar Ali v State].The Court was hearing a plea filed by Akhtar Ali, the former Deputy Superintendent at RG Kar hospital, alleging serious illegalities committed by the college's ex-principal, Dr. Sandip Ghosh.Single-judge Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj observed that he will only decide the issue of who will investigate the allegations but will not go into the merits of the allegations. "I am not getting into that (allegations). I am concerned only about who will investigate- Whether the SIT will investigate or CBI will investigate. That is what this court will decide if it can," the judge said. The Court will hear the matter at 12 PM tomorrow..Akhtar also requested police protection, stating that his complaints against Ghosh have put his life in danger.The Court asked Akhtar to furnish his phone number so that he can be contacted and given police protection.The Court further clarified that it will not address anything related to the content of complaints concerning financial irregularities."I will not hear anything pertaining to content of complaints. Why should I hear? Investigation is already going on. I will hear you but not on content of complaints," the single-judge underscored..Ghosh has been in news after the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the hospital on August 9. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage and protests.Ghosh had stepped down from the post bit he was immediately made principal of another college.Another Bench of the Calcutta High Court had criticised the State's decision to "reward" Ghosh, with a new post hours after he resigned amid allegations that he engaged in victim-blaming..As per Ali's plea, Ghosh engaged in serious illegal activities including mismanagement of dead bodies, reselling of biowaste in the open market, and misutilization of public funds.Ali contended that a complaint regarding these allegations was submitted to the Anti-Corruption Bureau of West Bengal but no action was taken against Ghosh."Prof.(Dr.) Sandip Ghosh has blessings of political leaders and higher officials of this State and for that he is being safeguarded, despite risking the lives of people of this State. There are serious issues involved which is jeopardizing the public health. The State police authority cannot investigate the matter in fair and impartial manner as several influential persons of this State are involved in this matter. The matter needs to be investigated properly for the sake of the innocent people," the plea contended..During the hearing today, the Ali's counsel said that despite multiple complaints made since 2023, no action was taken until the rape and murder incident occurred.My concern is who will investigate the irregularities—SIT or CBI—that’s the concern, remarked single-judge Bhardwaj."Why police didn’t take step…suddenly you realize something wrong is there and you have asked officers to look into allegations since 2021. My two questions are, what prompted you? Why not when you were informed in 2023 why acted now," the Court asked the lawyer representing Kolkata police..This suggests inaction on part of health department and not police, the State counsel replied."We are also questioning why the SIT was formed only after the unfortunate event," the judge responded.The Court also noted that the State police had concluded that there were financial irregularities. "So, there is no dispute about the fact that financial irregularities existed. Four senior police officers were appointed. The State has concluded that there are clear irregularities," the judge remarked.To this, State counsel replied, "I can’t say. Investigation has to be done. There is nothing to show that this was based on complaints by petitioner. SIT was formed on August 21, he came to court August 20. Is it right to come to court?".[Read live coverage of hearing below]