RG Kar Medical College
On Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated a money laundering investigation into alleged financial misconduct at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, linked to a case of rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the facility. This case follows an FIR by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and includes charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED’s investigation targets the same individuals identified in the CBI complaint: former RG Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh, and three private Kolkata-based entities—Ma Tara Traders, Eshan Cafe, and Khama Louha. The agency has collected banking and procurement records related to the institution and may soon issue summons for questioning and statements.
On Saturday, the CBI took over the case from the West Bengal government’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) following Calcutta High Court orders. The CBI’s charges include criminal conspiracy, cheating, and bribery under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act. Following the registration of the case, the CBI conducted raids on Ghosh, former medical superintendent Sanjay Vashisth, and 13 others, uncovering significant evidence.
The rape and murder case itself dates back to August 9, when the body of a 31-year-old trainee doctor was discovered in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College. Sanjay Roy, the primary suspect, was arrested after being identified in CCTV footage and having Bluetooth headphones found near the crime scene. Investigations revealed that Roy not only sexually assaulted but also murdered the victim. The CBI has conducted polygraph tests on Roy and several others, including Ghosh and other individuals associated with the college.
