Court Remands Akhtar Ali to Judicial Custody Till February 17
Kolkata: Following multiple summons and the rejection of his anticipatory bail plea, former Deputy Superintendent of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Akhtar Ali, surrendered before the CBI First Court in Alipore on Tuesday. The court subsequently remanded him to judicial custody until February 17.
Named Accused in Supplementary Chargesheet
Ali, who had earlier alleged financial irregularities against former principal Dr Sandip Ghosh, has now been named as an accused by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the same corruption case. The agency recently filed a supplementary chargesheet against him, while Ghosh continues to be identified as the main accused.
ED Also Files Chargesheet in Corruption Probe
The development follows recent action by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which filed a chargesheet against Dr Sandip Ghosh and three others in connection with alleged corruption at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The case has drawn significant public and institutional attention.
Background: Unrest After 2024 Tragedy
The controversy first came to light during widespread unrest at the hospital after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate student in August 2024. The incident sparked massive protests by doctors, students, and citizens. During the agitation, Ali’s allegations of financial misconduct against Ghosh intensified scrutiny of the hospital administration.
Failure to Appear Despite Summons
CBI officials informed the court that Ali had failed to appear despite receiving multiple summons. His lawyer argued that he had been summoned in mid-December but approached the Calcutta High Court citing ill health as the reason for his absence.
Arrest Warrant and Health Claims
Sources stated that Ali had been hospitalised until last Friday for injuries and ailments and was discharged on Saturday. An arrest warrant was issued; however, he could not surrender immediately, reportedly due to his lawyer’s unavailability. The CBI sought judicial remand during the court proceedings.
Court Cites Risk to Trial Proceedings
In its order, the court observed that due to the late submission of the supplementary chargesheet and Ali’s appearance at this stage, witnesses might need to be recalled and re-examined. The court noted that given his earlier public stance as a whistleblower, granting bail could potentially affect the course of the trial.
Court Questions Medical Documents
The court also raised concerns regarding inconsistencies in the medical documents submitted by Ali. It pointed out that a prescription dated February 5, 2026, did not advise hospital admission, yet records indicated that he was admitted to a nursing home on February 6. Taking these factors into account, the court remanded him to judicial custody until February 17.
