Did CBI File Additional Charges in RG Kar Financial Corruption Case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The CBI has filed an additional chargesheet in the RG Kar corruption case.
- Former Deputy Superintendent Akhtar Ali is named in the chargesheet.
- Akhtar previously raised allegations against the principal of RG Kar.
- He has been suspended from his position in the Health Department.
- The investigation highlights the need for accountability in public institutions.
Kolkata, Dec 1 (NationPress) - On Monday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) presented an additional chargesheet in the RG Kar financial corruption investigation at the special CBI court. Sources reveal that the document includes accusations against former RG Kar Deputy Superintendent Akhtar Ali, who previously lodged corruption claims against the institute's principal, Sandip Ghosh.
Besides Akhtar, the chargesheet also identifies Shashikant Chandak.
Previously, the CBI had charged Sandip Ghosh, Biplab Singh, Suman Hazra, Afsar Ali Khan, and Ashish Pandey in connection with this case, all of whom were detained during the corruption investigation.
Though Akhtar's name is now included in the chargesheet, he has yet to be arrested.
In 2023, Akhtar Ali had lodged a formal complaint with the State Vigilance Commission alleging financial misconduct by Sandip Ghosh.
Following this, he was reassigned from RG Kar to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, where he worked as Deputy Superintendent (Non-Medical) for a time.
In April, he was transferred again to North Dinajpur and appointed as Deputy Superintendent of Kaliaganj Hospital. Recently, he submitted a resignation letter to the state Health Department, which was not accepted; instead, he was suspended days ago.
The Health Department released an explanation for the suspension, indicating that the CBI was investigating financial irregularities at RG Kar per the Calcutta High Court's orders, with Akhtar's involvement emerging during the inquiry.
As the former Assistant Superintendent of RG Kar, Akhtar managed the procurement of essential medical equipment; later, as Deputy Superintendent, he allegedly influenced these processes, according to the Health Department.
Reports suggest that Akhtar demanded substantial sums in return for facilitating business opportunities for companies supplying hospital equipment.
Between 2020 and 2022, approximately Rs 2,39,000 was reportedly deposited into Akhtar's account, with an additional Rs 50,000 credited to his wife's account.
The Health Department stated that the decision to suspend him followed investigations into these financial transactions. The CBI has now incorporated Akhtar into the chargesheet regarding the financial corruption case.