The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has delivered a stunning twist in the multi-crore financial irregularities case at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital (RGKMCH). The key whistleblower, former deputy superintendent Akhtar Ali, is now accused of being an 'important component in the overall corruption scenario' at the institution, according to a recent supplementary chargesheet.
From Complainant to Accused: The CBI's Allegations
Akhtar Ali, who first raised corruption charges against the hospital's then-principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh, finds his own role under severe scrutiny. The CBI chargesheet, filed earlier this month, alleges that Ali was 'grossly involved in illegal procurement process at RGKMGH' and actively manipulated procedures for personal gain, even before Ghosh's tenure began in February 2021.
The agency claims Ali, while serving as assistant superintendent and later deputy superintendent (non-medical), conspired with Ghosh to centralize the procurement process. This was done to favour specific vendors—Biplab Singha, Suman Hazra, and Afsar Ali Khan. Quotations were allegedly given illegal codes like B, C, or D by Ali and processed under Ghosh's orders, bypassing the standard store section entirely.
Financial Gains and Family Accounts
The CBI has detailed specific financial benefits it claims Ali received from vendors. The chargesheet states he secured air travel tickets worth Rs 1.49 lakh for himself and family members from a vendor named Dipankar Bar.
Furthermore, the investigation alleges that Rs 50,000 was deposited into his wife's bank account by another vendor, Subrata Basu. A more substantial sum of Rs 2.39 lakh was also transferred to his wife's account from vendor Jitesh Jain. The CBI notes that Ali used his wife's account specifically to ward off detection.
The Whistleblower's Journey and Suspension
Ironically, it was Ali's 2023 written complaint to the State Vigilance Commission against Dr. Sandip Ghosh that triggered the Calcutta High Court to order a CBI probe. This probe led to the arrest of Ghosh and others, who remain in judicial custody.
Following his complaint, Ali was transferred to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, and later to Kaliyaganj Hospital in Uttar Dinajpur. In November of this year, the West Bengal health department suspended him. The suspension order cited the CBI's findings, alleging Ali demanded lakhs from a supplier for procurement favours, leading to the deposits in his and his wife's accounts.
The CBI chargesheet offers a motive for his initial whistleblowing: it states that after Ali 'started having clashes with Sandip Ghosh, he changed his stance and started making complaints' at various forums. The agency concluded that due to his 'dubious role,' he was not cited as a witness in the first chargesheet, but is now named as an accused.
