A sessions court in Kolkata has found Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, guilty of raping and murdering a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital. The judgment, delivered on January 18, 2025, has sparked widespread reactions, with the sentence set to be announced on January 20.
The Incident
The tragic incident occurred on August 9, 2024, when the victim’s body was discovered in the seminar hall of the hospital. She had been on duty when the crime took place. Evidence, including CCTV footage and a Bluetooth earphone linked to the accused, led to Roy’s arrest the following day.
Legal Proceedings
The trial, conducted in-camera, commenced on November 12, 2024, and concluded on January 9, 2025, with testimonies from 50 witnesses. Judge Anirban Das presided over the case, noting that the maximum penalty for Roy could be the death sentence. The case was initially investigated by the Kolkata Police but was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following public outrage and allegations of evidence tampering.
Reactions to the Verdict
The victim’s family welcomed the conviction but expressed dissatisfaction, claiming others were involved and had yet to be brought to justice. The father alleged mishandling of evidence during the initial investigation, including the absence of crucial DNA samples.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar and other BJP leaders criticized the Kolkata Police and state administration, alleging deliberate tampering of evidence. CPI-M leader Brinda Karat and medical associations echoed calls for stringent punishment, with the latter emphasizing the need for justice to prevent similar tragedies.
Broader Implications
The case has triggered national outrage and a call for systemic reforms in the security of state-run hospitals. Protests by junior doctors and medical professionals highlighted the urgent need for better workplace safety.
As the country awaits the sentencing, the case underscores deep concerns over law enforcement, governance, and the justice system’s capacity to deter such heinous crimes.
