Court warns of strict action; Questions agency’s preparedness in multi-crore case
Kolkata: In a scathing rebuke, the Special CBI Court in Kolkata on Tuesday slammed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for its failure to produce key original documents at the start of the trial in the high-profile multi-crore financial irregularities case involving RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The court was particularly critical of the agency’s failure to submit the original complaint letter filed by Debal Kumar Ghosh, Special Secretary in the state Health Department, which formed the basis of the FIR lodged at Tala Police Station.
“This Attitude Will Not Be Tolerated”: Court Warns CBI
When questioned about the missing document, the CBI counsel told the court that it “might be in another court,” an answer that infuriated the magistrate, who called the excuse unacceptable.
“This attitude will not be tolerated,” the court observed sternly, further warning that if such lapses were repeated, strict action would be taken against the investigating officer involved in the case.
The development raises serious concerns over the CBI’s preparedness in a case involving allegations of corruption, forgery, cheating, and criminal conspiracy.
Background: RG Kar Hospital Scam and Sandip Ghosh’s Alleged Role
As previously reported by Medical Dialogues, the case stems from a complaint by Debal Kumar Ghosh, alleging that then-principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh was the mastermind behind a series of serious irregularities at RG Kar Medical College. The alleged offences include:
- Manipulation of tender processes
- Bypassing the Public Works Department for infrastructure contracts
- Outsourcing hospital work to favoured contractors
- Mismanagement and smuggling of biomedical waste
- Illegal organ sale from unidentified bodies in the morgue
The CBI took over the investigation following a Calcutta High Court directive last year. Charges were formally framed against Dr. Ghosh and four others on July 14, after the court rejected their discharge pleas.
Court Signals Zero Tolerance Going Forward
According to a report by Millennium Post, the judge made it clear that any future procedural lapses—especially those involving critical evidence—will result in disciplinary consequences for the investigating team. The case is expected to resume soon with the court directing the agency to immediately locate and present the original complaint document.
What Lies Ahead
As the trial continues, the focus now shifts to whether the CBI can efficiently retrieve and submit essential evidence to support its prosecution. With the court’s warning now on record, the agency will be under pressure to demonstrate procedural integrity and speed in what is one of West Bengal’s most shocking medical institution-related corruption cases.
