The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is intensifying its investigation into multi-crore financial irregularities at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata and is reportedly considering requesting the custody of Sandip Ghosh, the former principal, for further interrogation.
In a related development, sources indicate that the ED may also question Ghosh’s immediate family members, including his wife and in-laws, as part of its investigation.
Officials are closely examining the significant discrepancies between Ghosh’s declared income and his apparent wealth, which includes various assets under scrutiny.
The investigation has revealed multiple bank accounts belonging to Ghosh and some of his relatives that are under the ED’s watch. Officials have detected suspicious transactions that suggest potential money laundering activities.
Additionally, information has surfaced regarding numerous properties registered in the names of Ghosh and his associates, with questions raised about the legitimacy of the funds used for these acquisitions.
ED Launches Independent Probe Amid CBI Investigation
The ED is conducting its investigation alongside a separate probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). While the court directs and closely monitors the CBI’s inquiry, the ED has initiated its own investigation after filing an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) on the matter.
So far, the CBI has arrested five individuals, including Ghosh, as part of its investigation into the financial misconduct.
The other four arrested include Ashish Pandey, Suman Hazra, Biplab Sinha, and Afsar Ali.
Pandey, who was a close aide of Ghosh and a member of the hospital’s staff, was recently expelled by the authorities.
Ali served as Ghosh’s personal bodyguard, while Hazra and Sinha were vendors who supplied medical equipment to RG Kar during Ghosh’s tenure as principal.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Ghosh is also under investigation by the CBI concerning the horrific rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar that occurred in August.
This dual investigation into financial and criminal misconduct has raised serious concerns regarding the administration of the medical college and hospital, as well as the ethical implications surrounding its leadership.
As the investigation unfolds, both the ED and CBI aim to uncover the full extent of the alleged financial irregularities and any possible connections to the tragic incident involving the junior doctor.
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