The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has suspended Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former Principal of Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in connection with the recent rape and murder of a doctor on the premises. While Dr. Ghosh does not face charges directly related to the killing, he has been accused of negligence, including failing to report the crime promptly. He also faces non-bailable corruption charges unrelated to the incident, with allegations of involvement in illegal activities at the hospital, such as trafficking in dead bodies and biomedical waste.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted extensive searches of Dr. Ghosh's home, claiming to have uncovered substantial evidence. They have questioned him for nearly 90 hours, as investigations continue.
In its statement, the IMA referenced complaints from the victim’s family regarding Dr. Ghosh’s handling of the situation, as well as accusations from fellow doctors that his actions had brought the medical profession into disrepute. These factors led the association’s disciplinary committee to suspend his membership.
Dr. Ghosh has been under intense scrutiny since the doctor's body was discovered. Though he resigned from his position shortly afterward, citing moral responsibility, the Bengal government appointed him to lead Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital. This move sparked protests from hospital staff and the public, leading to the Calcutta High Court ordering Dr. Ghosh to go on extended leave. The court also questioned the state government’s decision, fueling accusations that the administration was protecting him.
The Supreme Court also expressed concerns about Dr. Ghosh's role in the incident, particularly the 14-hour delay in filing a First Information Report (FIR). The court questioned why immediate action wasn’t taken and who Dr. Ghosh had been in contact with during that time.
Only one arrest has been made in connection with the crime: Sanjoy Roy, a police volunteer. Political tensions have risen as the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP have clashed over the case, with both parties questioning the effectiveness of the CBI compared to state police. The investigation remains ongoing, with no further arrests by the CBI so far.