A money laundering inquiry into purported financial irregularities at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital has been initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The probe centers on actions that took place during the tenure of Sandip Ghosh, the college’s previous principal, and many other individuals. This action is a reaction to a First Information Report (FIR) from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which prompted the ED to file an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), which is a report that is comparable to a FIR under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED’s investigation is a part of a larger CBI probe into financial malfeasance at the hospital. According to official sources, the ED has gathered a variety of banking and procurement records from several sources that are connected to the hospital and medical college. The organization is getting ready to call people involved so they can be questioned and have their statements recorded. The people identified in the CBI’s FIR are the same ones that the ED is looking into.
Serious accusations against Ghosh and three private companies situated in Kolkata are included in the CBI’s FIR, which was filed in compliance with the Calcutta High Court’s orders. These companies are Ma Tara Traders in Madhya Jhorehat, Banipur, Howrah; Eshan Cafe at 4/1 Belgachia; and Khama Louha. They are accused with criminal conspiracy (under Section 120 B of the Indian Penal Code), cheating (under Section 420 of the IPC), and offenses linked to bribery as defined by Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
In a related incident, the CBI raided the homes of Ghosh, Sanjay Vashisth, the former medical superintendent, and 13 other people in and around Kolkata. These raids are a part of a larger investigation into the medical college’s financial problems, which have drawn attention after a fatal occurrence. Authorities reportedly paid more attention and took more action after learning of the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee woman doctor on August 9.
Security at Kolkata’s government hospitals is a growing source of concern as a result of the raids and ongoing investigations. In an attempt to allay these worries, central soldiers have been stationed at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, although tensions are still high. Given the seriousness of the accusations and the breadth of the inquiry, the CBI has stated that there is substantial evidence in the case.
Overall, the case raises important questions about institutional security and accountability as well as major concerns about financial management and corruption within a well-known medical facility.
SOURCE :
THE HINDU
