CBI Court Orders Seven-Day Custody for Former RG Kar Hospital Official in Financial Scam
A Special CBI Court in Alipore, Kolkata, has mandated a seven-day judicial custody for Akhtar Ali, the former deputy superintendent of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This decision comes in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the state-run medical facility. Ali, who initially gained attention as a key whistleblower in the case, is now named as an accused in a supplementary chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Bail Plea Rejected Amidst Health and Witness Concerns
During the court proceedings, Ali's counsel sought bail on grounds of ill health, citing his recent hospital admission. However, the public prosecutor contested this, arguing that the medical reports appeared to have been prepared only after the Calcutta High Court rejected his anticipatory bail on February 4. The prosecutor emphasized that Ali's active involvement in the trial and potential influence over witnesses warranted the rejection of his bail application.
The court order highlighted several critical points:
- Due to the late submission of the chargesheet and Ali's appearance, all witnesses must be recalled and re-examined, complicating the trial process.
- Given Ali's earlier role as a whistleblower, granting bail could jeopardize the trial's outcome.
- Medical documents presented by Ali were found to be contradictory, with discrepancies noted between a prescription dated February 5, 2026, and his admission to a nursing home on February 6, 2026.
Allegations and Counterclaims in the Corruption Case
Ali had previously leveled corruption charges against Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the then-principal of RG Kar Medical College. In response, Ghosh's counsel argued that Ali has direct links to the scam and falsely implicated others to protect himself. Both the CBI and the counsels for the accused opposed Ali's bail, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations.
After being taken into custody, Ali told media persons, "It is my bad luck. I have several documents related to the RG Kar doctor's murder case. Once I come out, I will reveal those." This statement hints at potential connections to a separate high-profile case involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the hospital in August 2024, which initially brought RG Kar into the public eye.
Background of the Financial Irregularities Scandal
The CBI's investigation into financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College has uncovered significant details. According to the supplementary chargesheet filed in December 2025, Akhtar Ali was grossly involved in illegal procurement processes at the hospital, even before Sandip Ghosh's tenure. The chargesheet alleges that Ali, as assistant superintendent, oversaw procurement and later, as deputy superintendent, exerted undue influence over equipment purchases.
Key findings from the investigation include:
- Ali allegedly demanded lakhs of rupees from suppliers in exchange for procurement favors.
- Between 2020 and 2022, approximately ₹2.39 lakh was deposited into his bank account, with an additional ₹50,000 credited to his wife's account.
- Investigators discovered that Ali and his family benefited from sponsored air travel arrangements.
Administrative Actions and Legal Proceedings
In 2023, Ali submitted a written complaint to the State Vigilance Commission alleging financial misconduct by Sandip Ghosh. Following this, he was transferred to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital and later to Kaliyaganj Hospital in Uttar Dinajpur. In November 2025, he was suspended by the Health Department based on Calcutta High Court orders and the CBI's findings.
The suspension notification stated that Ali's involvement in the scam was uncovered during the investigation, leading to his suspension until the probe is completed. The Alipore court had previously issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Ali for failing to appear at a hearing, ordering his immediate arrest. He is scheduled to be produced in court again on February 17.
This case underscores the complexities of corruption allegations within public institutions, blending elements of whistleblowing, legal battles, and administrative scrutiny in West Bengal's healthcare sector.
