CBI – Special Court Orders Arrest of RG Kar Whistleblower Akhtar Ali
CBI- A special court handling cases of the Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday issued an arrest warrant against Akhtar Ali, once regarded as the key whistleblower in the multi-crore financial irregularities case involving Kolkata’s state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. The institution has remained under intense public scrutiny since August 2024, when a woman junior doctor was raped and murdered within the hospital premises.
From Whistleblower to Accused
Akhtar Ali, who previously served as Deputy Superintendent of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, was the first official to flag alleged financial misconduct at the institution. His complaints pointed toward the involvement of the hospital’s former principal, Sandip Ghosh, whose tenure had already drawn controversy. Ali’s allegations eventually became the basis for judicial intervention.
Acting on a petition filed by Ali, a Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court ordered a CBI investigation into suspected financial irregularities at the medical college. The probe later expanded, with the Enforcement Directorate initiating a parallel investigation to examine possible financial crimes and money trails linked to the case.
Court Issues Warrant After Missed Appearances
Ali’s standing as a whistleblower began to erode in December last year, when the CBI filed a supplementary chargesheet naming him as a co-accused in the same case he had helped bring to light. Following the filing, Ali failed to appear in person before the special court on multiple occasions.
On Friday, the court took a firm view of his repeated absence and issued an arrest warrant. During the hearing, Ali’s counsel argued that his client had been unable to attend proceedings due to ongoing medical treatment. However, the court was not persuaded by the explanation.
CBI Challenges Medical Grounds Argument
The prosecution countered the defence’s claims by asserting that Ali was deliberately avoiding court appearances. CBI lawyers maintained that the medical reasons cited were being used as a pretext to delay the judicial process. Accepting this argument, the court concluded that stronger action was necessary to ensure Ali’s presence, leading to the issuance of the warrant.
The development marks a significant turn in the investigation, placing the former whistleblower on the same legal footing as other accused individuals in the case.
Administrative Action by Health Department
Ali’s troubles are not limited to the courtroom. Last year, he submitted his resignation from service, but it was not accepted by the authorities. Instead, the West Bengal Health Department placed him under suspension, citing the ongoing CBI investigation.
In an official notification, the department stated that the probe into financial irregularities at R.G. Kar Medical College was being conducted under orders from the Calcutta High Court. It added that Ali’s alleged involvement surfaced during the course of the investigation, necessitating departmental action.
Allegations Linked to Procurement Processes
According to the Health Department, Ali held key administrative responsibilities during his tenure. As Assistant Superintendent, he oversaw the procurement of essential hospital equipment. After his promotion to Deputy Superintendent, officials allege that he exercised considerable influence over procurement decisions.
Sources within the department claim that Ali demanded substantial sums of money in exchange for facilitating business opportunities for companies supplying medical equipment to the hospital. These allegations form a crucial part of the case being examined by central agencies.
Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny
Investigators have also flagged certain financial transactions linked to Ali and his family. Between 2020 and 2022, deposits amounting to Rs 2,39,000 were reportedly made into Ali’s bank account. In addition, Rs 50,000 was credited to his wife’s account during the same period.
While these amounts are relatively modest compared to the overall scale of the alleged irregularities, officials say they are examining whether the deposits are connected to misuse of official position or illicit benefits tied to procurement contracts.
As the investigation continues, the arrest warrant signals a tightening legal net in a case that has already shaken confidence in one of the state’s prominent medical institutions.