Kolkata Shakes: CBI Intensifies Probe into R.G. Kar Hospital Recruitment Scandal, TMC MLA Grilled

Kolkata finds itself at the epicenter of a swirling political storm as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) intensifies its relentless probe into the alleged recruitment irregularities at the prestigious R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. In a significant development, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA and former Deputy Mayor of Kolkata, Atin Ghosh, faced a rigorous interrogation by CBI officials for over three hours on Thursday, marking another pivotal moment in the unfolding graft case.

Ghosh, who was previously summoned by the federal agency, arrived at the CBI office at Nizam Palace around 11:30 AM.

He remained under the scanner, providing details and answering pointed questions related to his tenure and knowledge of the alleged scam. The investigation stems from a directive by the Calcutta High Court, which ordered the CBI to delve deep into accusations of widespread corruption in the appointment of Group D staff at the medical institution.

The core of the allegations centers around the purported irregularities in the recruitment of approximately 120 Group D workers, with a particular focus on appointments made during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This period saw a heightened demand for medical support staff, and the CBI is meticulously examining whether standard protocols were bypassed for illicit gains.

Atin Ghosh's connection to the case primarily arises from his position as a member of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti (Patient Welfare Committee) at R.G.

Kar Hospital. While speaking to reporters after his interrogation, Ghosh vehemently denied any involvement in the recruitment process, stating, "I was merely a member of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti, which has no role in the recruitment of Group D staff. I have cooperated fully with the CBI and provided them with all the necessary documents and information.

I have nothing to hide."

However, the CBI's investigation scope is broad, actively scrutinizing the roles and responsibilities of all members of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti during the periods under question. Previous interrogations in this high-profile case have included Dr. Sandeep Ghosh, the former Principal of R.G.

Kar Medical College and Hospital, and Dr. Santanu Sen, the former Medical Superintendent and Vice Principal (MSVP). Additionally, Trinamool leader Tapas Roy was also questioned in connection with the alleged financial improprieties surrounding the appointments.

Adding another layer to the intricate probe, the CBI is also reportedly examining an older, related alleged recruitment scam from 2017.

This earlier case involved the supposed irregular appointment of 275 Group D staff members, and notably, both Dr. Sandeep Ghosh and Dr. Santanu Sen were also implicated in those allegations. The agency's diligent efforts aim to unravel the full extent of the alleged corruption and bring those responsible to justice, promising more developments in the coming days as the investigation progresses.