Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista has demanded a CBI probe into corruption and malpractices alleged by junior doctors and medical students at North Bengal Medical College & Hospital (NBMCH) and accused the Trinamool Congress government of encouraging “medical mafia” at the institution.

NBMCH is the largest state-run referral hospital in north Bengal.

On Monday, the NBMCH authorities took steps against seven doctors, including three senior doctors and five students. It was alleged that they had manipulated examination results, resorted to highhandedness and threatened junior and senior doctors and students.

Most of them were closely associated with the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP).

“I sent a letter to the governor today (Tuesday), requesting a CBI probe into the corruption and malpractices reported in NBMCH. These people are running a medical mafia at the esteemed medical institution and should face stringent legal steps. Only a CBI probe will unveil the truth,” said Bista.

After the rape and murder of the junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Calcutta, junior doctors and students have been holding widespread protests in the state.

In NBMCH, they had also raised their voices and alleged that some doctors and students associated with the TMCP perpetuated a “threat culture” and manipulated exams and results.

“NBMCH is the only state-run medical college in the state where action has been taken against so many people (12), including seven doctors. The BJP will try to corner the state government and the TMC on this issue,” said a political observer.

In his letter to governor C.V. Ananda Bose, Bista demanded the resignation of NBMCH principal Indrajit Saha.

“Being the head of the institution, he cannot evade his responsibility and should step down. We also want a thorough investigation to find out whether such illegal practices were prevalent in other government medical colleges in the state,” Bista, who is also a national spokesperson for the BJP, said.

Later in the day, Bista joined a sit-in demonstration at Hashmi Chowk, a prominent crossing in Siliguri, along with BJP leaders and workers, in protest against the RG Kar incident.

“We want the CBI to round up all those who were involved in the heinous crime. The state government has made all efforts to conceal facts and evidence after the incident,” he said.