Kolkata, 19 May (H.S.): In a major development in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case, the West Bengal government has granted sanction to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute former hospital principal Sandip Ghosh. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the decision on X on Monday night, describing it as “an important and positive step towards justice.”

The Chief Minister also shared a copy of the official order issued by the Special Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department. Since Sandip Ghosh is a government employee, prior approval from the state government was mandatory before initiating legal proceedings against him.

In his post, Adhikari stated that legal permission had been granted to the ED to proceed against the then principal of RG Kar Hospital in connection with the “brutal rape and murder” of a woman doctor-trainee on August 9, 2024. He further alleged that the previous Trinamool Congress government had delayed and obstructed the investigation process for a long period.

“The law is above everyone and the truth cannot be suppressed forever,” the Chief Minister said, adding that his government wants all actual culprits to be identified at the earliest and awarded the strictest possible punishment so that people of the state can witness justice being delivered.

According to the official order, after examining documents and evidence placed before the Governor and the competent authority, a prima facie case was found against Sandip Ghosh for alleged criminal activities and dereliction of duty. The order stated that the alleged offences attract provisions under Section 120B read with Section 420 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

The order further noted that the matter also warrants investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Based on these findings, a probe has also been initiated into alleged financial irregularities involving entities named “Maa Tara Traders,” “Ishan Cafe,” and “Khama Loha.”

Copies of the government order have reportedly been sent to the Chief Secretary of the state, the Principal Secretary of the Health Department, the Assistant Director of the Enforcement Directorate, and other concerned officials.

Meanwhile, the victim’s mother, who was recently elected as a BJP MLA from Panihati, has reportedly sent a sealed letter to the Chief Minister demanding that other individuals allegedly involved in the case, directly or indirectly, also be brought under investigation.

The victim’s parents have consistently maintained that convicted accused Sanjay Roy was not the sole person involved in the crime and that several others may have played a role. They have also alleged that attempts were made to destroy evidence by hurriedly cremating the victim’s body.

Suspicion has also been raised over the alleged role of former Panihati MLA Nirmal Ghosh, chairman Somnath De, and neighbour Sanjeev Mukhopadhyay in connection with the case.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh