KOLKATA: In a dramatic twist to the RG Kar Medical College financial scam, the whistleblower who first exposed the corruption, Akhtar Ali, finds himself in the crosshairs of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The agency has received court approval to frame charges against him on February 25.
On Tuesday, the CBI filed an application in the Alipore CBI Court, which promptly granted permission to proceed. Court records indicate that charges will be formally framed against Ali on the specified date, with a directive for his mandatory appearance.
This development comes amid the ongoing probe into massive financial irregularities at the hospital, which gained notoriety following the horrific rape and murder of a junior trainee doctor. Ali, the former Deputy Superintendent, had filed a petition accusing then-Principal Sandeep Ghosh of corruption, prompting investigations by both CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The agencies arrested Ghosh and several associates, including businessmen close to him. However, the CBI’s investigation revealed Ali’s own involvement in the scam. A chargesheet was filed against him after he repeatedly failed to appear for questioning despite summonses.
Ali had sought anticipatory bail from the Calcutta High Court citing health issues, but was ordered to surrender. He complied and was remanded to judicial custody until February 17. Presented in court again on Tuesday, he did not apply for bail as the CBI moved to frame charges, a plea the court accepted.
Significantly, the supplementary chargesheet hints at further investigation ahead, with the CBI awaiting forensic reports. Charges are also slated against Shashikant Chandak on the same date. This case underscores the complexities of whistleblower protections in high-stakes corruption probes, raising questions about motives and accountability in India’s medical institutions.
As the February 25 hearing approaches, all eyes are on how this unfolds, potentially reshaping narratives around the RG Kar scandal that shook the nation.