KOLKATA: The additional district and sessions court at Sealdah in Kolkata today convicted Sanjay Roy of the rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Judge Anirban Das declared Roy, a Kolkata police civic volunteer, guilty in a case that sent shockwaves through the nation, sparking widespread protests. The court noted that Roy could face a maximum sentence of death or a minimum of life imprisonment.
CBI lawyer Partha Sarathi Dutta stated, “Roy has been convicted today. The sentence will be pronounced under Sections 64, 66 and 103(1) of the BNS on Monday. The conviction aligns with the charges filed. Further investigations are on.”
Roy was proven guilty of sexually assaulting the doctor and strangling her to death, with the CBI successfully establishing the charges. Roy, however, maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming he was framed. His statement will be recorded at 12.30 pm on Monday, followed by the pronouncement of his sentence.
The case was initially being investigated by the Kolkata police but later the court handed it over to the CBI after state officials were accused of mishandling it.
For weeks after the incident, doctors and medical students across India held protests and rallies demanding justice and better security for doctors. One such protest, the “Reclaim the Night” march, saw tens of thousands of women walk through the streets at night in Kolkata and other cities on August 14 last year on the eve of Independence Day. In December, the victim’s parents petitioned the Calcutta High Court for a fresh investigation, expressing lack of faith in the CBI’s investigation.
They argued that Roy alone could not have committed the crime and stated that they would be satisfied only when all those involved were brought to justice. The high court has said it will consider the plea only if the Supreme Court, which is monitoring the case, directs it to do so.
The incident raised concerns about rising cases of violence against health workers in the country, many of whom face physical abuse by angry patients or their relatives. Union minister and Bengal BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar welcomed the verdict but expressed skepticism about the investigation.
“While the court has convicted Roy, many believe that more individuals may have been involved. During the initial five days of the Kolkata police’s investigation, evidence was allegedly tampered with, which could have limited the scope of the findings,” he said.
CPM leader Brinda Karat, stated, “Roy may be guilty, but who are the powers shielding him? A corrupt nexus involving the government, hospital authorities and the administration allowed this tragedy to happen.”