Life Imprisonment for Convict in Kolkata Doctor's Rape and Murder Case

In a verdict that garnered nationwide attention, a Kolkata court has sentenced Sanjay Roy, the convict in the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, to life imprisonment. On Saturday, the court had declared him guilty, and now, Sealdah Court has finalized his punishment. Along with life imprisonment, Roy has been fined Rs 50,000 and ordered to pay Rs 17 lakh as compensation to the victim's family. The West Bengal government has also been directed to ensure the compensation is paid.

The victim's family, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict and demanded a death sentence for the convict.

The incident occurred on August 9, 2024, when the junior doctor was raped and murdered in the seminar room of RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata while sleeping alone. The heinous act sparked widespread protests across the country, with doctors and medical students from RG Kar Hospital holding prolonged demonstrations.

Based on CCTV footage from the hospital premises, Kolkata police arrested Sanjay Roy on August 10. The case was later handed over to the CBI, which named Roy as the prime suspect in its chargesheet. After extensive hearings, the Sealdah Court found him guilty and announced the punishment.

During the trial, Sanjay Roy maintained his innocence, alleging he was framed in the case. He questioned why the IPS officer involved in the investigation and other individuals were released, while he was held responsible. He also raised concerns about tampered evidence and the role of RG Kar's former principal, Sandeep Ghosh, and a former SHO of the local police station, who were granted bail.

After the verdict was announced, the convict was escorted under tight security to Presidency Correctional Home. The victim's father, overwhelmed with emotion, expressed gratitude to the judiciary for upholding justice. The CBI had earlier urged the court to impose the death penalty, identifying Roy as the sole and primary accused in the case.

The verdict, however, has left the victim's family and supporters of harsher punishment disappointed, as they continue to demand capital punishment for the heinous crime.