Is Akhtar Ali, the Whistleblower in RG Kar Corruption Case, Now in Judicial Custody?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kolkata, Feb 10 (NationPress) The former Deputy Superintendent of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Akhtar Ali, has been ordered into judicial custody by a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court after he turned himself in on Tuesday.
Upon appearing at the special CBI court in West Bengal's Alipore, a request for bail was submitted.
However, the court denied this request, placing Akhtar Ali in judicial custody until February 17.
The CBI opposed the bail application, emphasizing the severity of the allegations against him.
A warrant for Akhtar Ali's arrest was issued in connection with the RG Kar corruption investigation.
He presented himself at the court just a day after the warrant was issued but did not surrender immediately.
Initially, he indicated he would surrender on the following Monday, but citing illness, he failed to appear.
Eventually, he showed up in court on Tuesday afternoon.
During proceedings, Sanjay Dasgupta, the attorney representing former Principal Sandip Ghosh, accused Akhtar Ali of dragging out the case and suggested he was evading justice.
Dasgupta stated, "The roots of corruption are deeper. We have provided that evidence to the court." He insisted his client played no part in these corrupt activities, while the CBI sought custody for Akhtar Ali.
Challenging Ali’s claims of illness, a CBI lawyer questioned, "You were well enough for media interviews but are now absent from court?"
Ali’s lawyer asserted that his client’s first court appearance was scheduled for December 16 but was postponed due to his alleged illness.
Despite this, the CBI challenged why he did not appear subsequently.
Following extensive discussions, the judge ordered Akhtar Ali to remain in judicial custody until February 17.
Notably, Akhtar Ali previously filed a complaint against Sandip Ghosh, bringing forth various allegations of financial misconduct.
Nevertheless, the CBI's investigation revealed that Akhtar Ali himself was implicated in financial irregularities.
The CBI has submitted a charge sheet against him in the RG Kar corruption case, stating that he repeatedly ignored summons for questioning.
Additionally, the agency alleged that Ali sought anticipatory bail under the guise of illness, which the Calcutta High Court ultimately denied.