Big Update On Abhaya Case: Bengal Govt Grants Permission To Prosecute Ex RG Kar Principal Sandeep Ghosh

Kolkata

oi-Swastika Sruti

In a major development linked to the controversial RG Kar Medical College case, the West Bengal government has formally granted permission to prosecute former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh in connection with alleged financial corruption and money laundering-related offences.

The official order, issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare on May 18, 2026, allows investigative agencies to begin full legal proceedings against Sandip Ghosh in court. The move comes months after nationwide outrage over the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor, referred to politically as “Abhaya”, at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024.

The prosecution sanction is considered legally significant because government approval is required before prosecuting a public servant in corruption-related cases.

Suvendu Adhikari Announces Decision

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari publicly announced the decision through a post on X, calling it a “significant and meaningful step.”

আজ আমি মুখ্যমন্ত্রী হিসেবে একটি মহতী ও সদর্থক পদক্ষেপ গ্রহণ করতে পেরে নিজেকে সৌভাগ্যবান মনে করছি।
গত ৯ই অগস্ট ২০২৪ সালে আর.জি.কর মেডিক্যাল কলেজ ও হাসপাতালে বোন অভয়ার নৃশংস খুন ও ধর্ষণের ঘটনায় তৎকালীন আর.জি. কর-এর সুপার; কুখ্যাত সন্দীপ ঘোষের বিরুদ্ধে আইনি পদ্ধতি অনুযায়ী ইডি কে… pic.twitter.com/8YVesKELxS

— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) May 18, 2026

In his statement, Adhikari said:

“Today, as Chief Minister, I feel fortunate to take a significant and meaningful step.”
Referring to the RG Kar incident, he added:

“In connection with the brutal rape and murder of sister Abhaya at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024, legal sanction has now been granted to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to proceed against the then RG Kar Superintendent, the notorious Sandeep Ghosh, and take lawful action to establish his guilt.”

The Chief Minister also accused the previous Trinamool Congress government of delaying the investigation process.

“The previous Trinamool Congress government had forcefully and unethically stalled the investigation process in this case for a long time. But we believe that no one is above the law. The truth cannot be suppressed forever.”

He further stated:

“I want the real culprits behind sister Abhaya’s death to be identified quickly, given the strictest punishment, and for the people of Bengal to witness justice being delivered.”
The post ended with Adhikari praying for “the eternal peace of sister Abhaya’s soul.”

What The Government Order Says

The official order issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department explains that the action follows directions earlier passed by the Calcutta High Court in the case titled Akhtar Ali vs State of West Bengal & Others.

According to the order, a case registered at Tala Police Station in August 2024 under sections related to criminal conspiracy, cheating and corruption was later transferred to the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch in Kolkata.

The CBI subsequently registered a formal case against Sandip Ghosh and others, including private entities named:

• M/s Maa Tara Traders
• M/s Eshan Café
• M/s Khama Louha

The allegations reportedly involve financial irregularities in procurement and administrative matters linked to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Money Laundering Angle Added

The government order further stated that prima facie evidence suggested offences punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Based on those findings, an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under PMLA provisions was registered against Sandip Ghosh and others.

The document noted that authorities examined:

• FIR copies
• Investigation materials
• Relevant documents
• Facts and circumstances of the case

After reviewing the records, the Governor of West Bengal reportedly concluded that prosecution should proceed.

Governor Grants Official Sanction

The order stated that the Governor of West Bengal, acting as the competent authority under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), officially approved prosecution against Sandip Ghosh.

The sanction allows legal proceedings under:

• Section 120B of IPC (criminal conspiracy)
• Section 420 of IPC (cheating)
• Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act
• Relevant sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)

The order was formally communicated by Dr. Amit Dan, Special Secretary to the Government of West Bengal, Department of Health and Family Welfare.

The final line of the order stated:

“This order is issued in public interest with approval of the competent authority.”

Why The Case Became Nationally Important

The RG Kar Medical College controversy became one of the biggest political and public issues in West Bengal after the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor in August 2024.

The incident triggered massive protests by doctors, students and civil society groups across the country. Allegations of administrative failures, corruption and attempts to suppress evidence intensified public anger.

Sandip Ghosh’s role as principal of the institution came under intense scrutiny during the investigation, especially after corruption allegations surfaced alongside the criminal probe.

Political Battle Over The Case

The BJP has repeatedly accused the previous Trinamool Congress government of shielding accused individuals and slowing down investigations linked to RG Kar Medical College.
The TMC, on the other hand, had earlier rejected allegations of political interference and accused opposition parties of politicising the tragedy.

With the formal prosecution sanction now granted, the case is expected to move into a more aggressive legal phase involving court proceedings and financial crime investigations.

The development is likely to remain politically sensitive in West Bengal as investigations continue.