A video of Afsar Ali Khan, an "additional security" guard at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has gone viral on social media. In the video, Khan, essentially a bouncer, is seen speaking "offensively" to the current principal Dr Manas Bandhopadhyay. Notably, Khan is said to be a personal bouncer of ex-RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh and used to allegedly sell biomedical waste illegally to a Bangladeshi citizen.
The video, shared by BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya, shows the man name dropping West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee when asked about his presence on the campus. "You can call CM Didi," he responds to Bandhopadhay and other officials present in the room. The video has surfaced amidst the mounting allegations on the TMC-led state government over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor on August 9 in Kolkata's RG Kar, which sparked widespread outrage and protests.
Khan can be heard asking the principal to speak with Mamata Banerjee when he is asked about the nature of his work and designation by the prinicpal. He was also questioned why he did not wear a uniform and come to work on a regular basis. To this, Khan says that he is the "additional security guard" and that the CM had sent him.
Khan is said to be a close associate of TMC MLA and former principal Sandip Ghosh, who resigned after the rape and murder incident at RG Kar. After he was re-appointed at another medical insititute within eight hours of his resignation, his political connections were brought under spotlight. Ghosh's membership was suspended by the IMA on August 28 amid the ongoing CBI probe.
'Call CM Didi, She Has Sent Me', Says Khan
In the video, Khan can be heard answering back rudely after which the principal asks him to talk politely. To this he responds: "Voice mera aahista hai, hum Khan logo ka voice aise hi hota hai [my voice is low only, us khans have voice like this]. Subsequently, Bandhopadhyay is heard asking him his designation to which Khan replies, "additional security".
He is further questioned about how many other additional security men were present at the institute."Didi has sent me," he said. "You speak to Didi. How many people are here, who sent me," Khan added. He is then asked again about the number of security men present. Khan responds: "I don’t know. I do not see such things. You call Didi. Does anyone has Didi’s number?” When the principal asks him "who is didi?" Khan replies, "CM. CM is didi".
Sharing the video, the BJP leader also posted a series of questions with it. "The question is: What could be Mamata Banerjee’s interest in RG Kar Medical College & Hospital that she would send a lumpen to keep an eye on the newly appointed Principal and administration? Does RG Kar hold deep secrets of a criminal syndicate, which people are alluding to in hush tones? Is there more than what meets the eye in the rape and murder of the young doctor? Who are the powerful people Mamata Banerjee wants to protect?does Mamata Banerjee fear that investigations may lead right up to her?" Malviya tweeted.
Former deputy superintendent at RG Kar, Akhtar Ali, in his complaint in March 2023, alleged that Khan sold used syringes, gloves, and used saline bottles to a Bangladeshi citizen. He is said to be a close associate of Ghosh, who is under CBI's scrutiny. An FIR has been filed against Ghosh in connection with the corruption at the medical college.