The West Bengal government has granted sanction to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute the former principal of R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata in connection with alleged financial irregularities. The move comes amid ongoing investigations into corruption and mismanagement in state-run medical institutions.
According to officials, the ED had sought permission under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to initiate prosecution against the former principal, following evidence of irregularities in procurement, fund allocation, and misuse of institutional resources. The state government formally approved the request on May 18, 2026.
The case involves allegations of inflated contracts, diversion of funds meant for medical infrastructure, and questionable financial transactions during the tenure of the accused. Investigators claim that the irregularities caused significant losses to the institution and compromised patient care.
The sanction allows the ED to file a chargesheet and proceed with trial in a special PMLA court. The agency is also examining the role of other officials and contractors linked to the financial mismanagement.
The development comes at a time when the West Bengal government has already constituted inquiry commissions to probe institutional corruption and women-related atrocities, signaling a broader push for accountability in governance.
Opposition leaders have welcomed the move but demanded that the investigation be extended to other medical colleges and state-run institutions. They argue that systemic corruption in the health sector has undermined public trust and requires comprehensive reform.
The case is expected to have wide implications for medical governance in West Bengal, with the ED’s prosecution likely to set a precedent for stricter oversight of financial practices in public health institutions.
