The West Bengal government has provided the Enforcement Directorate (ED) with the necessary sanction to prosecute Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced this decision, aiming to address allegations of financial irregularities and money laundering associated with Ghosh’s tenure at the institution. This formal authorisation allows the ED to initiate legal action against him.

In a statement shared on social media, Adhikari expressed his conviction that this move is a significant step toward justice, particularly in response to the horrific incident involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, Abhaya, at the college on August 9, 2024. The Chief Minister indicated that the prosecution of Ghosh is intended to hold him accountable in light of the gravity of the accusations against him.

According to official documents, following a thorough examination of the First Information Reports (FIRs), the West Bengal Governor RN Ravi has determined that there is sufficient basis to proceed with the prosecution of Ghosh. This conclusion was reached under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which provides a framework for such legal actions.

Allegations of Misconduct

The bar set for the prosecution revolves around the serious nature of allegations against Ghosh, including his purported involvement in financial misconduct and other illegal activities during his term at RG Kar Medical College. The order specifies that Ghosh will be prosecuted under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. This explicit legal framework outlines the government’s commitment to address issues of corruption and malpractice head-on.

Notably, the investigation gained traction following the tragic murder case that sparked widespread public outcry. After Abhaya’s body was discovered in a seminar room within the hospital premises, it prompted immediate action from law enforcement and a surge of protests demanding accountability. The arrest of Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer linked to the incident, further intensified scrutiny of the institutional leadership.

As developments unfolded, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a chargesheet on November 29, 2025, detailing financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College. Ghosh, alongside several other individuals, including Dr. Ashish Kumar Pandey, Biplab Singha, Suman Hazra, and Afsar Ali Khan, was named in this document, highlighting a broader investigation into systemic corruption and its implications.

Judicial Proceedings and Further Investigations

In conjunction with financial misconduct allegations, the legal proceedings against Ghosh have also encompassed the ongoing investigation into the murder case. He has been subjected to extensive questioning, including polygraph tests as part of the CBI’s investigative efforts. This multifaceted approach indicates that authorities are keen on securing comprehensive outcomes in both criminal and corruption-related cases.

On the judicial front, recent developments have seen the Sealdah Court granting bail to Abhijit Mondal, a former officer-in-charge of the Tala Police Station, alongside Sandip Ghosh. This decision was made following the CBI’s inability to file a chargesheet within the mandated 90-day timeframe, a legal requirement that has major implications for the progress of the case.

The unfolding situation continues to generate significant media attention. As the case proceeds through the legal system, there is an ongoing focus on the implications for accountability within medical and educational establishments, along with the broader ramifications for governance in West Bengal.

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