The state health department on Tuesday suspended Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital who was arrested by the CBI on Monday on graft charges.

“In view of the ongoing criminal investigation against Prof (Dr) Sandip Ghosh, Ex-Principal, RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, Prof. (Dr) Ghosh is placed under suspension under Rule 7(1c) of West Bengal Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1971 with immediate effect,” stated a notice issued by the health department on Tuesday.

Ghosh's suspension was one of the main demands of the junior doctors who have been on a cease-work since a colleague was found raped and murdered at RG Kar on August 9.

The CBI arrested Ghosh, on whose watch the rape and murder happened, for his alleged involvement in financial irregularities at RG Kar.

“Ghosh has been suspended because of his arrest and the ongoing criminal investigations against him,” a health department official said.

Days after the rape and murder, Ghosh was transferred to Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, triggering protests by junior doctors. They alleged that Ghosh was being “protected by a powerful lobby.”

A protesting doctor said they were happy with the decision.

“It was our long-standing demand and I am happy. What should have happened on day one (after the rape and murder) took place on day 25,” said Arnab Mukherjee, a postdoctoral trainee at SSKM Hospital and one of the protesters.

“Swasthya Bhavan's incompetence is to be blamed for the delayed decision."

He, however, said the cease-work would continue.

“The government could have suspended him long back because this was one of our main demands," said Aniket Mahato, a postgraduate trainee at RG Kar.