An old video of Afsar Ali Khan, who is purportedly “additional security” for former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital Principal Sandip Ghosh, boasting about his connection to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has resurfaced on social media, sparking controversy.
Sandip Ghosh had stepped down as RG Kar’s principal earlier this month amid scrutiny following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the state-run hospital in Kolkata. Additionally, the Indian Medical Association suspended Sandip Ghosh’s membership on Wednesday; he previously served as the vice president of the Indian Medical Association’s Kolkata branch.
The viral footage, reportedly from about a year ago, shows Afsar Ali Khan making claims about his connection to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, referred to as “CM Didi,” while interacting with officials at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
In the video, Afsar Ali Khan, engaged in a confrontational exchange with Dr. Manas Kumar Bandyopadhyay, the then-principal of the medical college, and other hospital staff, insists that he is part of “additional security.” When questioned about his irregular attendance, lack of uniform, and origins, he responds by claiming he was sent by “CM Didi,” referring to Mamata Banerjee.
Dr. Manas Kumar Bandyopadhyay was recently reappointed as RG Kar’s principal following Sandip Ghosh’s departure.
In response to the viral video, the Bharatiya Janata Party has accused Afsar Ali Khan—whom they label as Sandip Ghosh’s enforcer from Belgachia—of using political connections to evade accountability. The party has called for an investigation into the claims made in the video and the broader implications of political influence on the administration of state-run institutions.
The Trinamool Congress has yet to officially comment on the video and the BJP’s accusations.
