RG Kar Rape-Murder Case : Sanjay Roy Convicted, Court to Announce Sentence Monday
On Saturday, a CBI court convicted Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, for the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This heinous crime, which occurred on August 9, 2024, sent shockwaves across the nation, sparking widespread protests and calls for justice.
The victim, a 31-year-old trainee doctor, was found lifeless in the seminar hall of the hospital. A postmortem revealed that she had been throttled and smothered to death. The case was later handed over to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court, ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation.
The Court’s Verdict
Judge Anirban Das, after reviewing all evidence, declared Sanjay Roy guilty of the crime. He faces charges under Section 64 (rape), Section 66 (causing death), and Section 103 (murder), which carry penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty. The court will announce the quantum of punishment on Monday.
During the hearing, Roy protested his innocence, claiming he was framed and questioned why others implicated in the case, such as the former SHO and RG Kar College principal Sandip Ghosh, were granted bail. However, the judge assured Roy that his arguments would be heard on Monday.
The victim’s father broke down after the verdict, expressing gratitude to the court for honoring their trust and delivering justice. This moment was a culmination of months of relentless protests and legal battles to ensure accountability.
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Impact and Controversy
The crime also highlighted alleged lapses in evidence handling. Sandip Ghosh and the former SHO were accused of tampering with the crime scene by ordering renovations. Although they were arrested, they were released on “default bail” due to delays in filing a supplementary chargesheet.
The RG Kar incident also ignited protests, including the ‘Reclaim the Night’ rally, which turned violent as a mob vandalized the hospital’s emergency ward. The case remains a stark reminder of the systemic changes needed to ensure safety and justice.
The conviction of Sanjay Roy marks a significant step towards justice for the victim and her grieving family. The announcement of his sentence on Monday will bring closure to a case that has deeply impacted the nation.
