A significant judgment in the RG Kar rape-murder case was delivered on January 18, 2025, by the Sealdah Criminal Court in Kolkata. Sessions judge Anirban Das found Sanjoy Roy, the prime accused, guilty of the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The sentencing is scheduled for January 20, 2025, where Roy faces a potential death penalty or life imprisonment.
Background of the Case
On August 9, 2024, the shocking incident occurred at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, where the young doctor, who was on a 36-hour duty shift, was murdered and raped inside the hospital's seminar room. Initially, the victim’s parents were misled to believe that their daughter had committed suicide. The registration of the First Information Report (FIR) was delayed, raising suspicions about mishandling by the authorities.
The case sparked outrage across the country, leading to widespread protests by doctors, student bodies, and civic groups. The "Reclaim the Night" campaign, held on the eve of Independence Day 2024, drew large-scale participation, demanding justice and safety for medical professionals.
The Calcutta High Court took suo motu cognizance of the case, transferring the investigation from the West Bengal CID to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This was followed by multiple writ petitions calling for a thorough probe into the hospital authorities’ role, including the former principal, Dr. Sandip Ghosh.
Key Developments in the Investigation
The forensic evidence played a critical role in the conviction. DNA reports linked Sanjoy Roy directly to the crime, confirming his presence at the scene and his involvement in the heinous act.
The Supreme Court also intervened, forming a National Task Force to develop guidelines for ensuring workplace safety, particularly for healthcare professionals.
While the former principal and a police officer faced allegations of misconduct, they were granted bail due to delays in the CBI filing chargesheets against them. Sanjoy Roy, however, remained the sole accused against whom conclusive evidence was presented.
Public and Legal Impacts
The incident has brought to light the urgent need for institutional reforms in medical establishments. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) had even called for a 24-hour strike, emphasizing the safety concerns for doctors and healthcare staff.
As the nation awaits the sentencing, the case serves as a grim reminder of the pressing need for stringent safety protocols and swift justice in cases of violence against medical professionals.
