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Journalism of Courage
Nearly a year after he shot into prominence as the key whistleblower in the multi-crore financial irregularities case at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Akhtar Ali has resigned from his government service, citing “vendetta” and a series of punitive transfers.
Ali, who was serving as the Deputy Superintendent at Kaliyaganj State General Hospital in Uttar Dinajpur before he resigned on Monday, has joined the BJP, sparking speculation of his possible candidature in next year’s Assembly elections.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Ali said his decision to align with a political platform is to “continue the battle against corruption and for women’s safety”.
“Since the RG Kar rape and murder incident, I was transferred thrice—first to the Health Recruitment Board, then to Murshidabad, Hooghly, and finally to Kaliaganj in Uttar Dinajpur. It had become very difficult to work,” Ali said.
“Since I want to fight corruption and work for women’s safety, I needed a platform. I have taken up the online membership of the BJP, but there is nothing more to it now,” he added.
The former deputy superintendent of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital gained prominence for being the primary petitioner who exposed large-scale financial anomalies at the institute. His move to approach the State Vigilance Commission and then to the Calcutta High Court led to the ordering of a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the multi-crore irregularities.
His allegations directly targeted the then RG Kar principal, Sandip Ghosh, whom Ali described as the main orchestrator of the irregularities. The probe ultimately led to the arrest of Ghosh and others, all of whom are currently in judicial custody. Ali’s complaints included leasing out government assets without permission, favoritism in vendor selection, handing out multi-crore quotations to ineligible parties, evading financial rules, and even allegedly taking a 20 per cent commission from vendors.
His resignation on Monday, coupled with his quick pivot to the BJP, has fueled political buzz in West Bengal. BJP party sources confirm that Ali recently met with the party’s state president and Lok Sabha MP, Samik Bhattacharya, after the Puja holidays. While they maintain that no substantial political plan was finalized, Ali reportedly discussed his future course of action to fight corruption.
When questioned about the BJP’s ideology, Ali stressed that his focus remains on his original fight. “Samik Bhattacharya has spoken about his vision to uplift the minority. I feel I can take the help of the BJP and continue my fight against corruption,” he added.
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