Inside the R.G. Kar Medical College Controversy – A Deep Dive into the Incident, Corruption, and Systemic Failures

Recent events at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata have stirred public anger, sparked protests, and revealed a darker side of institutional corruption and indifference. This incident is not isolated but instead reveals a chain of issues and systemic flaws that have compounded over years. Let’s unpack the layers of this case to understand the full scope of the crisis and the larger questions it raises.

1. The Rise of Sanjay Roy – A Man with a Troubling Background

Sanjay Roy's journey from a cook to a Civic Volunteer with significant power raises questions about the checks and balances within the police volunteer force. In 2016, he went missing from R.G. Kar College and reappeared three years later in the Civic Volunteer Force, a support arm for the West Bengal Police. His newfound role gave him access to valuable resources and power over hospital operations, which he used for personal gain. The unchecked privileges he acquired in the welfare cell allowed him to exploit his position, as he controlled bed assignments and admissions, gaining money under the table. His rise was fueled by political connections and a lack of oversight, pointing to significant lapses in accountability.

2. Allegations Against the Administration – Corruption and Negligence

By 2023, suspicions surrounding R.G. Kar Medical College's administration came to the fore, with Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the Principal, facing allegations of serious misconduct. Dr. Ghosh was accused of conspiring with contractors, siphoning funds meant for infrastructure, and mishandling bio-medical waste. The bio-medical waste issue particularly drew attention, as it involved selling potentially hazardous materials on the open market. Investigations by state authorities and a sting operation by local media (TV9 Bangla) painted a picture of collusion and corruption, igniting further public outrage.

3. The Tragic Incident of August 2024 – An Account of Violence and Neglect

On August 8, 2024, an on-duty resident doctor was brutally attacked while resting during her shift in the seminar hall. Sanjay Roy, who had reportedly stalked her earlier, was later identified in CCTV footage entering the hall. The fact that he roamed freely around the hospital without suspicion until this tragic incident underscores the lack of proper security protocols. When her junior colleagues found her in a battered state the next morning, chaos ensued, and the crime scene was unintentionally tampered with as a crowd gathered. The principal, Dr. Ghosh, delayed reporting the incident to the police, first inspecting the site himself, an action that cast further doubts on the administration’s intentions.

4. A Pattern of Unresolved Tragedies at R.G. Kar College

The victim’s case is not the first instance of suspicious events in R.G. Kar’s history. Former students, staff, and families have reported multiple unexplained deaths and alleged suicides dating back decades. In 2001, Soumitra Biswas, a student, was found dead after reporting illegal activities within the college. His family’s appeals for justice were ignored, and his death was dismissed as a suicide. Several other unexplained deaths followed, raising doubts and deepening the suspicion that these "suicides" were part of a larger cover-up. For years, families have expressed fears of a hidden network involving exploitation and potential trafficking within the college.

5. Public Outcry, Protests, and the Demand for Justice

Following the August incident, outrage erupted. Public protests called for transparency and demanded an investigation free from political influence. When authorities failed to address these concerns promptly, the case was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Despite this, thousands of protesters, including students and civilians, continued to demonstrate, skeptical about receiving true justice. Notably, the history of unresolved cases at R.G. Kar College fueled the suspicion that this incident was part of a deeper conspiracy.

6. The Role of Politics – Allegations and Distrust in the System

Reports that supporters of the ruling party (TMC) were linked to disruptions during protests raised further controversy. Photographs of individuals allegedly affiliated with the TMC at the protest site sparked accusations that the protests were infiltrated and manipulated. This fueled suspicions that there were attempts to shield the administration from scrutiny. Such reports only deepened the distrust between the public and the government.

7. A Culture of Silence and Fear

Many students at R.G. Kar Medical College reported feeling a sense of fear and powerlessness. Testimonies from alumni and current students reveal that those who attempted to speak out in the past were often silenced, some facing harassment, and others suffering mental and emotional trauma. The cycle of silence appears to have emboldened those in power, allowing exploitation and corruption to persist unchallenged.

8. The Call for Reform and the Need for Accountability

The tragedy at R.G. Kar College is a symptom of broader institutional issues. Without proper oversight and a culture of accountability, similar incidents are likely to continue. The situation calls for not only justice for the victim but also a comprehensive overhaul of the college’s administrative practices. There is a growing consensus that preventive measures, including background checks for volunteers, more stringent security protocols, and stricter monitoring, are essential to protect both students and staff.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Systemic Change

This case at R.G. Kar Medical College is a grim reminder that unchecked power, corruption, and institutional indifference can lead to tragic outcomes. The protests and public outcry reflect a collective demand for justice, transparency, and accountability. The response from both the government and the institution will shape not only the future of R.G. Kar College but also set a precedent for how such cases are handled in India.

The path forward must involve structural reforms that go beyond punishing individuals. A commitment to systemic changes—rooted in accountability and transparency—will be necessary to restore public faith in these vital institutions.

All References:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CVDIO5Dg1GPewe3wk1MS3f3KriwQjphIDCQOcR7pNCY/edit?tab=t.0