‘Call CM Didi’: Viral video shows menacing muscleman at RG Kar hospital
An old video of Afsar Ali Khan, a backup security officer, threatening Manas Bandopadhyay, the current principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, went viral a year ago. In response to a query over his presence on campus, Khan advises Bandopadhyay to inquire by calling CM Didi—a reference to Mamata Banerjee.
PTC News Desk: A video featuring Afsar Ali Khan, an "additional security guard" at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, has recently gone viral, drawing attention to issues within the institution. In the footage, Khan, who is also referred to as a bouncer, is seen menacingly stating, "You can call CM Didi," when questioned about his presence on the hospital's campus. The video highlights Khan's attempt to leverage his connection to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to assert his authority.
The video, which dates back a year, has resurfaced amid heightened scrutiny following the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar on August 9. This incident has ignited nationwide protests and drawn attention to the hospital's internal issues.
In the viral video, Khan is questioned by Manas Kumar Bandyopadhyay, the then-principal of RG Kar Medical College, and other senior officials about his role and regularity at work. When asked why he did not adhere to the guard's uniform or work schedule, Khan responds by asserting that he was sent by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He further deflects inquiries by suggesting that those questioning him should contact the Chief Minister directly.
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Khan, identified by RG Kar staff as an associate of former RG Kar head Sandip Ghosh and a local Trinamool Congress MLA, was allegedly connected to political figures and had questionable ties. His lack of regular attendance and failure to wear the required uniform were points of contention in the video.
Bandyopadhyay, who served as RG Kar's principal for less than a month in 2023 before being replaced by Sandip Ghosh, can be seen in the video trying to address Khan's irregularities. Ghosh, who resigned following the rape and murder incident, had his political connections come under scrutiny. He was appointed as the principal shortly after his resignation, which led to further controversy and the suspension of his membership by the National Medical Association (NMA).
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The video also reveals that despite repeated questioning, Khan remained evasive and relied on his alleged connections to avoid accountability. His response to being asked about the number of additional security personnel was vague, and he suggested that his authority came from the Chief Minister herself.
The video gained renewed attention following the assault and rape of the young doctor at RG Kar, prompting questions about the need for special security measures at the hospital and the overall transparency and governance within the institution.
Further complicating the situation, allegations have emerged that Khan was involved in the illegal sale of biomedical waste to a Bangladeshi citizen. Former deputy superintendent Akhtar Ali filed a complaint in March 2023 accusing Khan of selling used syringes, gloves, and saline bottles. This revelation adds another layer of concern about the operations at RG Kar.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating the corruption allegations and the role of Sandip Ghosh in the ongoing scandal at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
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