In a significant twist to a high-profile corruption case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has named the original whistleblower as an accused. The agency submitted a supplementary chargesheet on Monday in the multi-crore financial irregularities case at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, implicating former deputy superintendent Akhtar Ali.
From Whistleblower to Accused: The CBI's Allegations
Akhtar Ali first shot into prominence by levelling serious corruption charges against the institution's then principal, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, in 2023. He submitted a written complaint to the State Vigilance Commission alleging financial misconduct. However, the CBI's latest investigation has turned the tables. According to agency sources, the probe revealed Ali's own involvement in several cases. Investigators allege that he had full knowledge of corruption during his tenure at RG Kar but remained silent.
The supplementary chargesheet details specific accusations. As the then Assistant Superintendent, Ali oversaw procurement processes. Later, as Deputy Superintendent, he is alleged to have exerted undue influence over equipment purchases. The Health Department, in a notification suspending him, stated that Ali demanded lakhs of rupees from a particular supplier in exchange for procurement favours.
Financial Trails and Transfers
The CBI's financial investigation uncovered suspicious transactions. It was found that between 2020 and 2022, a sum of ₹2.39 lakh was deposited into Akhtar Ali's personal bank account. An additional ₹50,000 was credited to his wife's account. Furthermore, investigators discovered that Ali and his family benefited from sponsored air travel arrangements.
Following his initial complaint in 2023, Ali was transferred to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital. In April 2025, he was transferred again to Kaliyaganj Hospital in Uttar Dinajpur. His suspension came in November 2025, after the Health Department acted on the Calcutta High Court's orders and the CBI's findings, suspending him until the investigation concludes.
Legal Proceedings and Reactions
The court is yet to take cognisance of this supplementary chargesheet. In November 2024, the CBI had already chargesheeted former principal Sandip Ghosh, along with then house staff Ashish Pandey, vendors Biplab Singh, Suman Hazra, and Afsar Ali Khan, Ghosh's additional security. All were arrested during the investigation.
Reacting to the development, Akhtar Ali told the media that he had not yet seen the chargesheet. "This is a legal process. My lawyers will examine the charges and advise me. I need to see under which sections the allegations have been made before deciding my next steps," he stated. The case continues to unfold, highlighting the complex layers of the alleged scam at the prominent state-run medical institution.
