The Sealdah Court on Monday awarded life sentence for Sanjay Roy, convicted of raping and murdering a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Earlier while addressing the court, Roy claimed, “All the allegations against me are false. I have been framed. If I had committed the crime, the sacred mala I wear would have been destroyed. I am innocent.”
He further alleged mistreatment, stating, “I am not being allowed to speak and I have been subjected to torture and beatings. I was forced to sign documents under duress.” Roy also raised concerns about the investigation process, asserting, “While in CBI custody, I was not taken for medical examinations as required. Instead, I was moved around based on their directives, from one location to another, without proper medical evaluation. I am being falsely accused.”
Security personnel were stationed at Kolkata’s Sealdah court on Monday ahead of convict Sanjay Roy’s appearance for the pronouncement of his punishment.
Timeline of the crime and investigation
The incident occurred on August 9, 2024, when the victim’s body was discovered in a seminar room at RG Kar Hospital. As a junior doctor at the state-run medical college, she was part of a team working in the hospital. The rape and murder shocked the nation, igniting protests from junior doctors in West Bengal and demands for justice and improved safety measures in government hospitals.
The case was initially investigated by the Kolkata Police but was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following the Calcutta High Court’s intervention. The CBI took over the probe and pushed for the “maximum punishment” for Roy. The trial began in November, three months after the crime, and concluded on January 9.
Verdict and public sentiment
On Saturday, Roy was convicted of rape and murder. Judge Anirban Das indicated that the severity of the crime could lead to either a life sentence or the death penalty for Roy. However, junior doctors at R G Kar Hospital expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict. They voiced concerns over unresolved questions in the investigation and the lack of action against other potential suspects. The doctors demanded further investigation, including inquiries into the motive behind the crime and whether others might have been involved.
The murder of the 31-year-old trainee doctor sparked widespread outrage, especially among healthcare professionals in West Bengal. Junior doctors across the state staged prolonged protests, demanding justice for the victim and better security measures in hospitals. The case brought attention to the vulnerabilities faced by medical staff working in government hospitals, particularly regarding safety concerns.