Kolkata Doctor Rape and Murder Case: Investigation Updates
The disturbing case surrounding the rape and murder of a young postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has taken a significant turn. On September 10, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced its findings regarding Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the medical college, and his wife, Dr. Sangita Ghosh. The couple has come under scrutiny for alleged financial irregularities linked to their acquisition of multiple properties without the necessary approvals from West Bengal government authorities.
Uncovering Financial Irregularities
According to reports from the ED, two immovable properties were purchased by Dr. Sangita Ghosh without proper authorization. Notably, she reportedly obtained post facto approval from her husband in 2021, at a time when he was serving as the principal of RG Kar Hospital, while she held the position of Assistant Professor. This revelation has raised serious questions about the ethics and governance of the medical institution.
Recent Raids and Discoveries
In an extensive investigation, the ED conducted searches at seven different locations in Kolkata on September 6, focusing on the residences of Dr. Sandip Ghosh and his close associates. During these raids, the agency recovered documentation linked to various properties owned by the Ghoshs, including:
| Type of Property | Location |
|---|---|
| Flat | Murshidabad |
| Three Flats | Kolkata |
| Two Houses | Kolkata |
| Farmhouse | Unknown Location |
The ED articulated that these properties are suspected to have been purchased using the proceeds of crime, underlining the severity of the allegations against the Ghosh couple. Additionally, a variety of incriminating documents and digital devices belonging to Dr. Sandip Ghosh were also seized during the searches.
Legal Actions and Court Proceedings
In light of the ongoing investigations, a Kolkata court has placed Sandip Ghosh into judicial custody until September 23. Alongside him, his security guard Afsar Ali and two individuals, Biplab Singha, a medical equipment seller, and Suman Hazara, a pharmacy shop owner, have also been remanded to custody. These actions indicate the seriousness with which authorities are approaching this high-profile case.
Background of the Incident
The investigation was prompted by the tragic death of the trainee doctor, found murdered in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The incident sparked widespread protests across the nation, demanding justice and accountability. A Kolkata Police civic volunteer, Sanjoy Roy, was arrested in connection with the murder, and the case has since been taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who is now looking into the broader implications of the case.
This unfolding situation raises critical issues regarding the safety of medical professionals as well as the integrity of institutional governance within health care. The public and media attention on this case underscores the demand for transparency and accountability from the medical community and law enforcement agencies.
