The Calcutta High Court has raised concerns over serious allegations of a threat nexus operating within West Bengal’s government-run medical colleges and hospitals, directing the state government to submit an affidavit addressing these claims. The allegations, made in a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a doctor and a social worker, include reports of a pervasive culture of threats, the sale of exam answer keys, widespread bribery, corruption, and instances of sexual harassment and abuse targeting medical students and junior doctors.

The petitioners further alleged the existence of a “north Bengal lobby,” which they claim wields considerable influence over transfers and promotions within the medical system. Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, presiding over a division bench with Justice Bivas Pattanayak, remarked that the situation would be highly serious if even one of the accusations is substantiated.

On Thursday, the court ordered the state government to file an affidavit by November 21, responding to the multiple allegations outlined in the PIL. The court also instructed the National Medical Commission and the West Bengal Medical Council—both respondents in the case—to provide their respective inputs on the matter.

The petitioners have called for the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) led by a former judge to probe the alleged threat nexus syndicate. They also requested the preservation of all relevant records, including electronic documents, maintained by the medical colleges and hospitals. Additionally, they provided the court with the names of individuals they believe are leading the nexus and noted that some of these individuals have been transferred to other hospitals, while others have been suspended from their positions.

Source: PTI

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