“God Has Given Justice”: Trinamool Leader on Ex-RG Kar Hospital Principal’s Arrest
In a dramatic turn of events, Trinamool Congress leader and former MP, Santanu Sen, declared on Monday that “God has given justice” in response to the arrest of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Ghosh was apprehended by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for his alleged involvement in financial irregularities at the hospital. Sen, who is also a doctor by profession, has claimed that it was he who first unearthed the corruption allegations against Ghosh last year, setting the stage for the arrest.
Sen’s Revelations and Reactions
Sen has been vocal about the corruption within RG Kar Medical College, stating that he had detected financial irregularities during Ghosh’s tenure as principal. “God has given justice,” he remarked, asserting that his findings from 2023 have finally led to Ghosh’s arrest. Sen had submitted a detailed report to the Principal Secretary of Health and other concerned authorities, outlining the alleged corruption. However, according to Sen, no action was taken at the time, leading to his frustration.
Sen’s comments on the arrest come just weeks after his removal as the Trinamool Congress spokesperson, a move that has raised eyebrows within political circles. His criticism of Ghosh and the functioning of RG Kar Hospital has been particularly pointed, especially in light of the recent tragic events at the institution.
The Controversy Surrounding RG Kar Hospital
Dr. Sandip Ghosh’s tenure at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has been marred by controversy. He served as principal from February 2021 to September 2023, but was unexpectedly transferred in October 2023, only to return to his role within a month. His return coincided with one of the darkest chapters in the hospital’s history—the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor on August 9, 2024.
The young doctor’s semi-naked body was discovered in a seminar hall on the hospital premises, sparking outrage and nationwide protests. The gruesome incident put a spotlight on the safety and security of medical professionals, particularly female trainees, and led to widespread demands for justice.
The arrest of Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, in connection with the trainee doctor’s murder further deepened the crisis. Roy’s arrest, coupled with Ghosh’s involvement in disclosing the identity of the victim, led to widespread condemnation. The Kolkata Police also summoned Ghosh for questioning, exacerbating the already tense atmosphere surrounding the hospital.
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CBI Investigation and Arrest
The CBI’s investigation into the financial irregularities at RG Kar Hospital culminated in the arrest of Ghosh and three others. Ghosh was subjected to extensive questioning over a two-week period, which included a polygraph test. The findings of the investigation pointed to significant financial mismanagement under Ghosh’s leadership, leading to his arrest.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also taken a strong stance against Ghosh. Following the trainee doctor’s rape and murder, the IMA suspended Ghosh’s membership. The disciplinary committee of the IMA found his actions, particularly in relation to the disclosure of the victim’s identity, to be in violation of the medical body’s ethical standards.
Political Implications
Santanu Sen’s remarks on Ghosh’s arrest have added a new dimension to the ongoing controversy. His statement, “God has given justice,” underscores the deep divisions within the Trinamool Congress, particularly in the wake of his removal as spokesperson. Sen’s critique of the hospital’s administration and his role in bringing the alleged corruption to light highlight the complex interplay of politics, healthcare, and justice in this unfolding saga.
As the investigation continues, the arrest of Dr. Sandip Ghosh marks a significant development in the quest for accountability at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. For Santanu Sen, it represents a vindication of his efforts to expose corruption and seek justice, even as the broader implications for the Trinamool Congress and the healthcare system in West Bengal remain to be seen.
