Ahead of a court’s verdict in the RG Kar Hospital rape-murder case, the parents of the victim expressed concerns that the investigation remains incomplete, with other accused involved in the crime still at large.
The victim’s mother and father said they would continue to fight for justice. Their daughter’s body was discovered in the seminar room of the state-run hospital on August 9 last year. The case sparked nationwide outrage and led to prolonged protests.
Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was arrested on August 10 and charged with the crime. The trial concluded on January 9, and the Sealdah court is set to deliver its verdict on Saturday.
“Sanjay (Roy) is guilty, and tomorrow’s verdict will be against him. But what about other criminals who are still not caught? I can see them roaming freely. I have seen them loitering in the hospital. So, the investigation is half-done,” the victim’s mother told PTI.
She added that biological evidence proved Roy’s guilt, but expressed belief that the administration had shielded others involved. “All the evidence were either lost or erased. A large number of people were present when (then) Police Commissioner Vineet Goel visited the crime scene. It was looking like a fish market. Those seen at the crime scene must be punished,” she said. Purported photographs showing a crowd at the scene after the body was found had gone viral.
“I am yet to know why my daughter was killed in that fashion. What did she come to know that she was not allowed to live?” the mother said, speculating that her daughter may have been killed for knowing secrets authorities wanted hidden.
The victim’s father also voiced concerns that the investigation had not been fully completed. “I do not think Sanjay was alone. There are others who were very much involved in the crime, but they are still free. Hopefully, they will be arrested and their guilt will be proven. Until then, justice is not delivered,” he told PTI.
Her parents expressed faith in the judiciary and confirmed they would be present when the verdict is announced. If Roy is convicted, the court may sentence him to either death or life imprisonment.
Asked if they wanted the death penalty for Roy, the mother said, “I want punishment for the guilty. The judiciary will decide (on the extent of punishment).”
The CBI, which took over the investigation from local authorities after the case was handed over by the Calcutta High Court, has sought the death penalty for Roy, arguing that he was the sole perpetrator of the crime.
“We are from a very humble background. We did our best to educate our daughter. She was a talented and intelligent girl. I think we have a long road ahead to get justice,” the mother said, adding that her days are now spent crying in front of her daughter’s photograph.