The FIR filed by Kolkata Police against Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, may prompt the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to launch a money-laundering investigation. This follows allegations of corruption made by the West Bengal government’s health department.
Sources within the ED indicated that while no enforcement case information report (ECIR) has yet been filed, the agency may consider investigating Ghosh under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The FIR, registered at Tala police station, accuses Ghosh of financial irregularities and criminal conspiracy, including alleged involvement in selling unclaimed bodies and trafficking in bio-waste.
Former RG Kar deputy superintendent, Akhtar Ali, has requested the Calcutta High Court to direct the ED to investigate Ghosh, claiming he had previously reported the irregularities to state authorities with no action taken.
Ghosh is currently under interrogation by the CBI in connection with the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar. Allegations against him include promoting cartels for hospital procurements and construction work, and accepting bribes. The ED’s potential investigation under the PMLA would involve tracing the financial transactions and questioning various suspects, including contractors and middlemen.
The state government has transferred the FIR from Tala police station to a special investigation team (SIT) formed to investigate both the financial irregularities and the rape and murder case. While the CBI has been active in interrogating suspects and recording statements, it has yet to announce if an FIR has been registered in the case.