The father of the victim in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital case expressed deep dissatisfaction on Saturday after the Supreme Court of India granted bail to Sandip Ghosh, the institution's former principal. Ghosh had been in custody for two years following his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with alleged financial irregularities at the hospital.
During a statement to local media on October 17, 2026, the father of the 31-year-old doctor reaffirmed the family's ongoing struggle for justice. He emphasized that the family remained committed to their cause, regardless of political affiliations or potential opposition. “If needed, we will fight against this government, our own government as well. We are still on the same road for justice. Justice is our primary concern. We may now be in the government, but we are not scared to speak against the government,” he stated.
The victim’s mother, Ratna Debnath, is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA representing Panihati, which is the home constituency of the deceased. She reportedly joined politics following the incident as part of her effort to seek justice for her daughter. Despite the public attention surrounding the case, Ms. Debnath has not yet made any official comments regarding the court’s recent decision to release the former principal.
The Supreme Court granted bail to Mr. Ghosh on October 15, citing the prolonged duration of his incarceration and the slow pace at which the investigation has been proceeding. While the legal proceedings for the financial irregularities continue, the decision has sparked significant frustration among those advocating for the victim.
Various doctors' associations across West Bengal have formally condemned the bail grant. Dr. Subarna Goswami, a senior leader involved in the RG Kar movement and a member of the Association of Health Service Doctors, described the development as deeply distressing. He highlighted the broader concerns regarding the efficacy of the investigative process, noting that the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate have failed to examine the majority of witnesses over the past two years.
“We demand accountability from the investigating agency and a time-bound, day-to-day trial. Justice for Abhaya requires an end to institutional impunity and the prosecution of all those responsible,” Dr. Goswami remarked in his discussion with the media on Saturday.
Reacting to the developments, BJP State president Samik Bhattacharya clarified that the granting of bail does not equate to an acquittal or a declaration of innocence. He noted that while the public perception regarding the individuals involved in the incident remains firm, the judicial process is often influenced by complex technical arguments. “Law does not depend on emotions. The people’s court has already proved that they were associated with the incident. But there are many technical issues in the court of law, and he may have gotten bail due to that,” Mr. Bhattacharya stated.
As the legal case progresses, the family and various civil society groups continue to press for an expedited trial, seeking closure and accountability for the events that transpired at the medical facility over two years ago.
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