CBI Issues Non-Bailable Warrant for Former Hospital Official in Kolkata Graft Case
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A special CBI court in Kolkata issued a non-bailable warrant on Friday for Akhtar Ali,a former deputy superintendent at R G Kar medical College and Hospital,in connection with allegations of financial irregularities at the state-run facility. The case unfolds against a backdrop of scrutiny surrounding the hospital,which was previously at the center of public attention following the 2024 rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor.
Whistleblower or Accomplice? The Shifting Allegations
Ali’s defense team maintains that he acted as a whistleblower, exposing alleged corruption within the hospital management. Thay claim he is being targeted by individuals with vested interests due to his disclosures. However, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) argues that Ali is as culpable as the principal accused, Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the medical college, who has been in custody for approximately 18 months.
Court Proceedings and Prior Rulings
The warrant was issued by a special CBI court judge at the Alipore court after Ali failed to appear during a scheduled hearing. His lawyer informed the judge that Ali was unwell and unable to attend.Previously, the Calcutta High Court had rejected Ali’s petition for anticipatory bail. The High Court initiated the CBI probe following a petition filed by Ali himself, alleging financial improprieties during Ghosh’s tenure.
The Allegations: Tender Manipulation and Graft
The CBI alleges that Ali, who oversaw the tender process at the hospital, accepted illicit payments in exchange for awarding contracts to specific vendors. According to the agency, Ali began to level accusations against Ghosh only after a falling out with his co-accused.A senior official stated, “The timing of the allegations raises questions about the petitioner’s motives.”
Expanding Investigation and Previous Arrests
The CBI has already arrested Ghosh and two others in connection with the alleged financial irregularities. The investigation centers on claims of widespread corruption and misuse of funds within R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. The agency maintains that Ali’s role in the tender process makes him equally accountable for the alleged offenses.
Why: A non-bailable warrant was issued for Akhtar Ali due to his failure to appear in court and ongoing allegations of financial irregularities at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. Who: Akhtar Ali, former deputy superintendent, is the subject of the warrant, alongside Sandip Ghosh, the former principal already in custody. The investigation is led by the CBI.What: The allegations center around Ali’s alleged involvement in accepting bribes to manipulate the tender process, awarding contracts to favored vendors. How: The CBI initiated the probe following a petition by Ali himself,but now considers him equally culpable.The case remains open, with no definitive end in sight as the CBI continues its investigation and seeks ali’s arrest.
This case continues to develop as the CBI pursues its investigation into the alleged corruption at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital.
