Residents of Kakdwip town in West Bengal’s Sunderbans took to the streets on Thursday, September 5, to protest the transfer of Dr. Birupaksha Biswas to their local hospital. The move has sparked concern due to Biswas’s recent involvement in a high-profile scandal. People fear that his presence might lead to similar crimes in their community. “What guarantee do we have that the arrival of Biswas will not lead to similar crimes at our hospital?” questioned Padma Ghorai, a local homemaker participating in the protest.
Transfer Sparks Controversy
Dr. Biswas was transferred from Burdwan Medical College and Hospital to Kakdwip hospital earlier on Tuesday. This decision followed the suspension of Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Ghosh, who has been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on corruption charges, was also under scrutiny in the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor. Biswas, who has been accused of being close to Ghosh, claimed that his transfer was routine and based on merit.
Widespread Agitation
The protest against Biswas’s transfer quickly spread to the Diamond Harbour Medical College and Hospital, where junior doctors and nurses also voiced their opposition. Sagnik Midhya, a junior doctor at Diamond Harbour, stated, “We do not want elements like Biswas to be posted at any hospital in our district.” The agitation has intensified as the local medical community demands the revocation of Biswas’s transfer order.
Sandip Ghosh Revealed Authorizing Renovation Orders
Compounding the controversy, it was revealed that Sandip Ghosh had authorized renovation work near the crime scene at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This document, dated August 10, the day after the victim’s body was found, has raised suspicions about possible tampering with the crime scene. Ghosh, who is now in CBI custody, faces allegations of financial irregularities and has been implicated in the case following the victim’s death.
The order, signed by Sandip Ghosh, former director of RG Kar Medical College, is dated August 10, just one day after the victim's death. Despite allegations from colleagues and protesters about tampering with the crime scene, the Police Commissioner denied it. @CBIHeadquarters pic.twitter.com/FEOirTn0ho
— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) September 5, 2024Allegations And Ongoing Investigation
The situation has attracted significant media attention in recent times. An audio clip reportedly featuring Dr. Biswas threatening a medical student has further fueled the protests. Biswas has denied the authenticity of the clip, claiming it was created using artificial intelligence. The CBI’s investigation into the rape and murder case, alongside allegations of financial misconduct at RG Kar, continues as the public demands accountability and justice.