In the case of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, TMC MP Jawhar Sarkar has announced his resignation from the Rajya Sabha, expressing his frustration with the government’s handling of the situation. In a letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he criticized the government’s response as inadequate and announced his retirement from politics.
Jawhar Sarkar’s Resignation
In a letter dated September 8 to Mamata Banerjee, Sarkar expressed disappointment that the Chief Minister did not intervene in the case as expected. He stated, “I remained silent for a month after the horrific incident at RG Kar Hospital. I hoped you would handle the matter in your old style, but that did not happen.”
Sarkar criticized the government’s actions as delayed and insufficient. He argued that immediate action against the corrupt group of doctors and swift justice could have normalized the situation in the state.
Questions of Corruption
Sarkar also questioned the government’s negligence regarding corruption. He claimed to have uncovered evidence of corruption against a former education minister after joining the party in 2022, but faced poor treatment from senior leaders when he raised the issue. Sarkar noted that several local leaders amassed significant wealth and drove expensive vehicles, raising concerns among the people of West Bengal.
Responses from TMC and Others
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh commented that Sarkar’s resignation is a personal decision and the party will consider it but will not criticize his personal principles at this time.
New Corruption Revelations by CBI
The CBI has made new revelations regarding corruption involving former RG Kar Medical College principal Sandeep Ghosh and others. Ghosh is accused of favoritism in awarding hospital tenders and other irregularities. On September 2, the CBI arrested Ghosh, his security guard Ali, and two drug vendors. Ghosh had resigned on August 12, following the rape-murder incident on August 9.
Financial Irregularities Revealed by CBI
The CBI’s investigation into the rape-murder case has uncovered several key financial irregularities, highlighting Ghosh’s role and his corrupt network.
Key Points of Financial Irregularities:
- Interview System Irregularities: Ghosh introduced an interview system for medical house staff recruitment without a proper panel. Final interview marks were released before appointments, leading to the exclusion of qualified trainees.
- Corruption Network: Ghosh, who was posted at Murshidabad Medical College from 2016 to 2018, established a corruption network with his security guard and others.
- Tender and Vendor Irregularities: As principal, Ghosh awarded multiple tenders to his acquaintances, and his guard contracted vendors for selling biomedical waste.
- Flaws and Mismanagement: Several flaws were found in the tendering process, with work orders not delivered to many officials, excluding them from the process.
- Canteen Contract and Caution Money: Ghosh’s guard’s wife’s company received the canteen contract, and Ghosh returned non-refundable caution money to her company.
Other Developments:
- Protests Preparation: September 8 marked the 30th day of protests by doctors against the case. Thousands are expected to join the ‘Reclaim the Night’ campaign in Bengal.
- Supreme Court Hearing: The Supreme Court will hear the case on September 9, with Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra presiding.
- Medical Council Notice: The West Bengal Medical Council has issued a show-cause notice to Ghosh for financial irregularities. Ghosh has three days to respond or face potential cancellation of his medical registration.
- Renovation Order: The CBI found that Ghosh ordered renovations to rooms adjacent to the seminar hall the day after the rape-murder, which could be a significant link in the case.
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