Kolkata Horror: Ex-Principal Sandip Ghosh Suspended by IMA Over Negligence Allegations
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has suspended Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former Principal of Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital, following allegations of negligence in the case of a doctor’s rape and murder at the hospital earlier this month.
Dr. Ghosh, who has been interrogated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and underwent a lie-detector test on Monday, is accused of failing to act promptly when the doctor's body was discovered, including not filing a police complaint. Although he is not directly charged with the murder, Dr. Ghosh faces non-bailable charges related to corruption.
Reports have surfaced alleging that corruption at RG Kar Hospital, including accusations by a former employee that Dr. Ghosh was involved in trafficking dead bodies and biomedical waste, could be linked to the murder.
The CBI has conducted an extensive investigation, including an 11-hour search of Dr. Ghosh's Kolkata residence, where they claimed to have found significant evidence. The agency has questioned him for nearly 90 hours so far.
In a statement, the IMA noted grievances from the deceased doctor's parents regarding Dr. Ghosh's handling of the situation and his lack of empathy. The association further cited complaints from fellow doctors in Bengal who accused Dr. Ghosh of tarnishing the reputation of the medical profession. Consequently, the IMA’s disciplinary committee decided to suspend his membership.
Dr. Ghosh has been at the center of controversy since the incident. He resigned as Principal shortly after the body was found, citing moral responsibility. However, the West Bengal government quickly appointed him to head Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital (CNMC).
This decision sparked widespread protests from CNMC staff and those demanding justice for the murdered doctor. The Calcutta High Court intervened, ordering that Dr. Ghosh be placed on "long leave." The court also questioned his swift appointment, leading critics of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and protest groups to accuse the state government of shielding him.
The Supreme Court has also criticized Dr. Ghosh’s role, particularly the delay in filing an FIR after the body was discovered. The court demanded answers, questioning why the FIR was lodged almost 14 hours later and why Dr. Ghosh did not immediately direct the filing of a report.
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To date, only one arrest has been made in connection with the case—a police volunteer named Sanjoy Roy. Meanwhile, political tensions continue to rise, with the ruling Trinamool Congress and opposition BJP exchanging accusations over the effectiveness of the CBI investigation versus that of the state police. The CBI has yet to make further arrests.