BJP alleges ₹200 crore 'organ trade nexus' in Bengal hospitals
What's the story
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged a multi-crore organ trade nexus at medical colleges in West Bengal.
The party's IT Cell chief, Amit Malviya, claimed that an ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the rape and murder case at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital suggests this illicit activity.
He also raised questions about Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's involvement in the alleged ₹200 crore operation.
Allegations made
Malviya questions Banerjee's role in alleged organ trade
Malviya shared screenshots and links of two news reports on X, questioning Banerjee and the Bengal government's involvement in the rape and murder of the junior doctor at RG Kar on August 9.
"CBI probe...hints at over 200 crore rupee organ trade nexus in Bengal Medical Colleges," Malviya wrote.
He further implicated Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former Principal of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, as the chief coordinator of this alleged nexus.
Investigation demand
Malviya demands investigation into 3 doctors' presence
Malviya also demanded that the CBI investigate the presence of three doctors—Soutrik Roy, Avik De, and Saurav Paul—on the campus of RG Kar Hospital on the night of the crime.
He claimed that these three have strong Trinamool Congress (TMC) connections.
A report by The Week suggested that a preliminary CBI probe into irregularities at RG Kar Medical College revealed an alleged business of selling organs extracted from unidentified dead bodies.
Twitter Post
Sandip Ghosh is the chief coordinator of the nexus: Malviya
CBI probe in the RG Kar Medical College & Hospital hints at over 200 crore rupee organ trade nexus in Bengal Medical Colleges. Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former Principal of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, who Mamata Banerjee desperately wanted to protect, is the chief coordinator… pic.twitter.com/g6BvMrRfHa
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 13, 2024
Family's demand
Deceased doctor's family demands CBI investigation
Several government hospitals in Bengal, not just RG Kar, are nests of corruption, with initial estimates by CBI officers hinting the graft might run up to over ₹200 in the last seven years.
According to Anandbazaar Patrika, CBI officials have identified numerous private hospitals involved in the same. Each organ costs between ₹4 and ₹8 lakh.
The trade's reach extends to other states as well. Human organs were also allegedly smuggled from several medical universities' mortuaries to private medical institutions.
Ongoing developments
Former principal in custody, doctors protest continues
Ghosh is currently in CBI custody for further investigation into irregularities during his tenure.
He has been accused of misappropriating hospital funds, and multiple properties linked to him have been raided by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Meanwhile, protesting doctors have blamed the West Bengal government for failing to resolve the RG Kar impasse.
They expressed dissatisfaction with the state administration's refusal to allow live streaming of their meeting with Banerjee.