Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital expels 10 doctors over ragging, threat allegations

The internal council of RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata, expelled 10 doctors for involvement in ragging, harassment, and creating a culture of fear at the hospital.

In Short

• Doctors accused of threats, ragging, money laundering
• 59 others, including students, suspended temporarily
• Action followed complaints of harassment and threats

In a major decision following an investigation into allegations of threat culture, money laundering, and ragging, the internal council of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has expelled 10 doctors from the institution. The doctors face multiple charges, including creating an atmosphere of fear and harassment at the hospital.

During a college council meeting, it was collectively decided that these doctors would be permanently expelled from the hostel, with notices also sent to their homes. Along with the expulsion of 10 doctors, a total of 59 individuals, including interns, students, and house staff, were suspended temporarily.

The expelled doctors include Saurabh Pal, Ashish Pandey (who was arrested by the CBI), Abhishek Sen, Ayushree Thapa, Nirjan Bagchi, Sarif Hasan, Nilagni Debnath, Amarendra Singh, Satpal Singh, and Tanveer Ahmed Kazi. They have been given 72 hours to vacate their hostel accommodations.

Additionally, their names will be forwarded to the State Medical Council, which may review and cancel their medical registration certificates.

The investigation into these individuals was prompted by multiple complaints of physical and mental harassment, including ragging, threats of expulsion, and academic sabotage. Several students alleged that they were pressured to join a particular political party and were harassed for not participating in marches and meetings.

The accused are also linked to the former principal of the hospital, Sandeep Ghosh, and students were reportedly threatened with failure in exams if they refused to comply with their demands. Other allegations include forcing students to fetch liquor late at night and subjecting juniors to humiliation in the common room.

The hospital authorities took strict action after receiving numerous complaints from junior doctors, resulting in the identification of 59 accused individuals. Forty-three of the accused have been expelled from the hostel. The council has vowed to continue its investigation and take further action as needed.

This movement began after the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital on August 9. Following the incident, complaints of "threat culture" surfaced at several government hospitals across the state.