Following the West Bengal government’s decision to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate financial irregularities involving Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, the BJP has raised concerns over the state’s handling of the case.
The SIT, which includes four senior IPS officers, has been assigned to look into allegations of embezzlement over the past two years. This development comes in response to calls for transparency from Amit Malviya, BJP IT cell in-charge and Bengal co-observer, who has been vocal about the need for a thorough investigation into the financial mismanagement at the institution.
Malviya has accused the state government of attempting to protect Ghosh by appointing a state police-led SIT instead of allowing a central agency to oversee the investigation.
“The decision to involve IPS officers in investigating financial crimes raises concerns about their expertise in handling such complex issues. The formation of the SIT appears to be a strategy to shield Dr. Ghosh from facing full accountability,” Malviya claimed, suggesting that the West Bengal Police might arrest Ghosh just to prevent central agencies like the CBI from taking over.
The allegations against Ghosh, combined with the broader controversy surrounding the rape and murder of a female doctor at the same medical college, have intensified calls for a more impartial investigation. BJP leaders are demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to ensure a fair probe.
“The situation involves not only financial misconduct but also the tragic murder of a doctor and possible cover-ups by the state administration. This issue must be thoroughly investigated without any state interference,” Malviya emphasized.
The SIT, led by Pranab Kumar, IG of West Bengal Police, will be supported by Syed Waquar Raza, DIG of Murshidabad Range; Soma Das Mitra, DIG of CID; and Indira Mukherjee, DC (Central) of Kolkata Police. The team has been authorized to enlist additional officers and is expected to submit its preliminary report within a month.