Court rebukes CBI for missing original documents in RG Kar Corruption Case

Kolkata: The Special CBI Court in Kolkata on Tuesday heavily criticised the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for failing to produce key original documents at the start of the trial in the multi-crore financial irregularities case linked to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the CBI started an investigation into the R.G. Kar financial irregularities case last year, following an order from the Calcutta High Court. In the charge sheet, CBI had identified former RG Kar Hospital Principal Sandip Ghosh as the mastermind behind the scam.

Along with him, four others were also involved in the case. They have been accused of cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. The court had earlier rejected their request to be discharged from the case and formally framed charges against them on July 14.

Also read- Another junior doctor seeks exemption in RG Kar Financial Irregularities case

The main charges in the R.G. Kar financial irregularities case includes manipulations in the tendering system of the said medical institute, getting the infrastructure-related work there done by outsourced contractors bypassing the state Public Works Department, smuggling of biomedical waste of the hospital and finally selling of organs of unidentified bodies coming to the hospital morgue for autopsy purposes at premium prices outside.

The case was registered at Tala Police Station after a complaint was filed by Debal Kumar Ghosh, Special Secretary in the state Health Department. According to the complaint, Dr. Ghosh was allegedly involved in several irregularities related to awarding contracts since 2022. A departmental investigation found that he had close ties with certain contractors and had bypassed normal tender procedures while issuing work orders. The complaint also suggested that bribes may have been exchanged.

At the beginning of the trial on Tuesday, the court asked the CBI to present the original complaint letter filed by Debal Kumar Ghosh at Tala Police Station. However, the CBI’s counsel stated that the original document was not in their possession.

When questioned by the magistrate on why the document was not presented before the court, the CBI lawyer reportedly said that the record might be in another court. The following response displeased the court, which sternly criticised the agency and said that such an attitude would not be tolerated.

As per the Millennium Post media report, the court also warned the investigating officer and said strict action would be taken against him if similar mistakes occurred again.

Also read- RG Kar Financial Irregularities Case: Court Reprimands CBI for Failing to Provide Documents