Calcutta HC Orders CBI Investigation into RG Kar Hospital Finances

The Calcutta High Court has mandated a court-monitored investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into alleged financial irregularities at RG Kar Hospital. The directive was issued on Friday, with the CBI expected to receive the case diary and CCTV footage from the state Special Investigation Team (SIT) by 10 am on Saturday. Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj presided over the hearing concerning former Principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh, who is at the center of the allegations. The CBI has been instructed to submit its findings within three weeks, with the next court session scheduled for September 7. Dr. Ghosh has been under intense scrutiny, having been interrogated by the CBI for eight consecutive days. On Thursday, the agency sought permission from the Sealdah ACJM Court to conduct a polygraph test on Ghosh and four other doctors associated with the hospital. The court granted this request, as CBI officials expressed dissatisfaction with Ghosh's statements, citing numerous discrepancies. The court's decision has been met with approval from the petitioner, former deputy superintendent Akhtar Ali, and students who have protested against Ghosh's alleged malpractices. Ali expressed hope for justice, stating that the court's acknowledgment of the complaint is a step towards accountability. Meanwhile, parents of victims have voiced their frustration, feeling increasingly impatient as they await progress in the investigation, which has now extended beyond two weeks.