The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday that it has received approval from the West Bengal government to prosecute Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in connection with an alleged financial irregularities case.

Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, presiding over the single bench, directed the special court handling the case to make every effort to frame charges within a week from the next hearing date. The special court was further instructed to set a trial schedule based on the witness list provided, aiming to expedite the trial and ensure its timely conclusion.

During the proceedings, the CBI’s counsel confirmed that the investigation into alleged financial mismanagement at the state-run hospital during Sandip Ghosh’s tenure had reached a critical stage. The agency has also obtained sanction to prosecute another former official involved in the case.

The court was apprised that a chargesheet had been filed on November 29, 2024. The CBI was directed to promptly initiate trial proceedings to assess whether sufficient evidence exists for framing charges before the trial court.

The petitioner, Akhtar Ali, a former RG Kar hospital official, had initially sought a CBI probe into the irregularities. The High Court granted this request, and the Supreme Court later upheld the order. Sandip Ghosh, who had been arrested by the CBI, is currently in judicial custody.

Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) informed the court of its ongoing investigation into the alleged money trail linked to the case. The ED’s lawyer revealed that the agency has conducted 22 searches and registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), equivalent to an FIR, to trace financial transactions associated with the accused individuals.

Justice Ghosh urged both investigative agencies to expedite their efforts and bring the case to its logical conclusion as swiftly as possible. The matter will now proceed before the special court.

Source: PTI

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