Former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh appears before ED in financial irregularities case

Former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh on Tuesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with alleged financial irregularities at the state-run institution, a senior official said.

Ghosh, who headed the hospital when an on-duty woman doctor was raped and murdered on August 9, 2024, appeared at the central agency's office after receiving a second summons.

The ED is investigating allegations of financial misconduct, including the diversion of hospital funds through transactions involving contractors and their associates.

"We are examining the financial transactions and the alleged diversion of funds from the hospital's accounts. Ghosh's role in the case is also under investigation, and his statement will be examined alongside the documentary and financial evidence," an ED official said.

𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝗱

The agency had initially summoned Ghosh for questioning on November 4. However, he did not appear and instead wrote to investigators seeking an additional 15 days to comply with the notice.

Ghosh had also requested permission to participate in the questioning through video conferencing, if necessary, the official said.

The ED subsequently issued a fresh summons directing him to appear on Tuesday.

According to sources, Ghosh reportedly sent his lawyer to seek another extension, but the agency declined the request and insisted that he appear as scheduled.

He subsequently reported to the ED office for questioning.

𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀

The ED has alleged that substantial amounts of money were systematically siphoned off from the hospital's accounts through financial transactions involving contractors and individuals associated with them.

According to an agency official, cheques were allegedly issued in the names of persons linked to contractors, following which the money was withdrawn or transferred to other associated entities.

Investigators are examining financial records and documentary evidence to establish the nature of these transactions and determine the involvement of those under investigation.

Ghosh's statement is being examined alongside the available financial evidence as part of the ongoing probe, the official said.

𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗮𝗶𝗹

Ghosh was earlier arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the alleged financial irregularities and remained in custody for an extended period.

His bail application was initially rejected by the Calcutta High Court, following which he approached the Supreme Court on August 18, challenging the order.

On October 16, the apex court granted him bail after considering the prolonged period of incarceration and the slow progress of the trial.

The ED had filed a chargesheet in the financial irregularities case in February, naming Ghosh as an accused.

The latest round of questioning forms part of the agency's continuing investigation into the alleged misuse and diversion of funds at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.