Enforcement Directorate Files Chargesheet in Major Kolkata Medical College Financial Scandal
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made a significant breakthrough in a high-profile financial irregularities case, filing its first chargesheet before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Kolkata on Friday. The case centers on alleged corruption at the prestigious R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, with the agency claiming to have uncovered contracts worth a staggering Rs 6.9 crore from which the former principal, Sandip Ghosh, secured undue advantage.
Systematic Diversion of Funds Through Contractor Collusion
In a detailed press statement, the ED outlined a sophisticated scheme where proceeds of crime were systematically diverted and siphoned off through collusion with contractors. According to the agency, contractors involved in the scam either issued bearer cheques or transferred funds through multiple, layered accounts. These amounts were then withdrawn in cash and allegedly paid directly to Ghosh. This method was deliberately designed to leave no digital or paper trail, effectively creating a financial footprint that could not be traced back to the former principal.
The ED's investigation revealed that the money traced to Ghosh's personal accounts was grossly disproportionate to his legitimate salary as a medical college principal, raising serious questions about the source of these funds. The agency has emphasized that this pattern indicates a calculated effort to conceal illicit gains.
Key Accused Named in Landmark Chargesheet
The chargesheet names Sandip Ghosh as the primary accused in this elaborate money laundering operation. Additionally, the ED has listed private vendors Biplab Sinha and Suman Hazra as accused beneficiaries, alleging their active participation in facilitating the financial irregularities. The inclusion of these individuals underscores the broader network implicated in the scandal.
Substantial amounts of money were recovered from the contractors during the investigation, further corroborating the ED's claims of widespread financial misconduct. The agency's proactive measures in seizing these assets highlight the seriousness with which it is pursuing this case.
Implications for Institutional Integrity and Governance
This case has sent shockwaves through Kolkata's medical and educational communities, casting a shadow over the integrity of one of the city's oldest and most respected medical institutions. The allegations suggest a deep-seated issue of governance and financial oversight within the college's administration during Ghosh's tenure.
The ED's chargesheet represents a critical step in holding accountable those involved in what appears to be a well-orchestrated scheme to defraud public funds. As the legal proceedings advance, this case is poised to set a precedent for how financial crimes in educational and healthcare institutions are investigated and prosecuted in India.
