In a dramatic turn of events, Akhtar Ali, the former Deputy Superintendent of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, surrendered before the Sealdah Court on Tuesday. This comes just a day after CBI officials failed to trace him at his residence. Emerging from the court, Ali claimed, “I made some innocent mistakes. I had borrowed money for my brother’s treatment. I haven’t committed a crime; it’s just bad luck.”

During the hearing, the CBI counsel took a tough stance, alleging that Ali had willfully disobeyed court orders and demanded his judicial custody. On the other hand, Sandip Ghosh’s lawyer, Sanjay Dasgupta, challenged Ali’s status in the probe. He argued that the CBI initially treated Ali as an accused but later labeled him a ‘whistleblower’ to suit the narrative. “My client has been in jail for a year and a half, while this man is delaying the trial by skipping hearings,” Dasgupta stated.

Defending his absence on Monday, Ali’s counsel cited medical grounds and presented reports. However, the judge pointed out inconsistencies in the documents, noting that some reports were from previous years while others showed only a day’s hospitalization.

The CBI reiterated that the corruption at RG Kar was “limitless” and Ali’s non-cooperation was an affront to the court’s dignity. As the arguments concluded, the judge reserved the order on Ali’s bail application. With the investigation intensifying, the court’s decision will be crucial in determining whether Ali stays free or joins his former colleague Sandip Ghosh behind bars.