The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday launched a multi-pronged search operation in Kolkata in connection with alleged misappropriation of funds by Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, and others in connection with a money laundering case.
The probe, initiated after the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the institution in August, has uncovered allegations of corruption spanning over three years. The state government initially formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter, but the case was later handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Calcutta High Court.
On Thursday, ED officials conducted searches at multiple locations in the city including a flat of Chandan Loud, an associate of Sandip Ghosh. Loud’s residence in the Tala area was raided early in the morning, with investigators focusing on the fifth floor where he lives. Additionally, ED teams conducted search operations at an address in Kalindi and the office of medical equipment supplier Octane Medical. A team also reached Ghosh’s paternal multi-storied house in Chinar Park, although it is reportedly locked.
On September 6, ED conducted searches at seven premises, including the residence of Ghosh and those of his close relatives and associates. The agency searched the residence of Sandip Ghosh in Beleghata. As per the agency, during the search operations, it found documents related to several properties — one flat in Murshidabad, three flats in Kolkata, and two houses in Kolkata acquired by Ghosh and his wife Sangeeta, along with documents relating to a farmhouse they own.
The agency also claimed it found incriminating documents and digital devices belonging to Ghosh during the searches. These documents related to properties were seized based on the prima facie suspicion that they were purchased out of proceeds of crimes.
The allegations against Sandip Ghosh include financial irregularities in procurement and other areas, with ED focusing on potential money laundering activities.
ED initiated the investigation on the basis of the First Information Report (FIR) registered by CBI and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Kolkata, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against Ghosh and other related contractors.
Ghosh, 54, was arrested by CBI on September 2 in connection with the alleged financial irregularities at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital.
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