The tragic rape and murder case of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata shocked the nation. On January 20, 2025, the Sealdah CBI court sentenced Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, to life imprisonment. This article delves into the case’s critical details, evidence, and court proceedings while highlighting the implications of the verdict.
Key Highlights of the Case
Verdict and Sentence
- Life Imprisonment: The court, presided over by Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das, ruled that Sanjay Roy’s actions did not qualify as the "rarest of rare" and thus refrained from imposing the death penalty. Roy received life imprisonment under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
- Financial Compensation: The West Bengal government was directed to compensate the victim’s family with ₹17 lakh.
- Fine Imposed: Roy was also ordered to pay a fine of ₹50,000.
Sections Invoked
- Section 64: Pertains to rape, ensuring a minimum jail term of 10 years, extendable to life imprisonment.
- Section 66: Addresses causing death or grievous harm, prescribing at least 20 years of imprisonment or the death penalty.
- Section 103(1): Relates to murder, allowing either life imprisonment or capital punishment.
- CrPC Provisions: Sections 248(2) and 354(3) mandated detailed justifications for the sentence imposed.
Incident Details
- Timeline: The crime occurred during the night of August 8-9, 2024. The victim’s body was found in the seminar room of the hospital the following morning.
- Victim: A 31-year-old junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College.
- Accused: Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police.
Investigation and Evidence
CBI’s Role
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case following a directive from the Calcutta High Court. The agency pursued maximum punishment for Roy, citing extensive forensic and circumstantial evidence.
Critical Evidence
- Forensic Analysis:
DNA samples from hair found at the crime scene matched Sanjay Roy.
Blood and skin samples under the victim’s fingernails corresponded to scratches on Roy’s body.
- CCTV Footage and Phone Signals: These placed Roy at the hospital during the crime.
- Physical Evidence: Bloodstains on Roy’s jeans and shoes, along with his Bluetooth earpiece found at the scene, corroborated his involvement.
Court Proceedings
Trial Timeline
- The trial commenced on November 11, 2024, three months after the incident.
- It concluded on January 9, 2025, after 57 days of in-camera hearings.
Key Courtroom Moments
- Roy maintained his innocence, alleging that he was falsely implicated and framed by senior officers. “I have been framed,” he repeatedly stated.
- Judge Anirban Das highlighted the overwhelming evidence against Roy, dismissing his claims.
Impact and Reactions
Public Outrage and Protests
The incident sparked nationwide outrage over women’s safety and security in government hospitals. Junior doctors in West Bengal organized protests demanding justice and better safety measures.
Judicial Remarks
The incident sparked nationwide outrage over women’s safety and security in government hospitals. Junior doctors in West Bengal organized protests demanding justice and better safety measures.
Judicial Remarks
Judge Das emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating, “It was proven you raped and killed the victim. Now I want to know your views on punishment.”
Conclusion
The RG Kar rape and murder case underscores the importance of swift justice and the role of forensic evidence in ensuring accountability. While the verdict brings some solace to the victim’s family, it also serves as a grim reminder of the need for enhanced security measures and societal vigilance to prevent such heinous crimes.
Read also: Kolkata Court Declares Sanjoy Roy Guilty in RG Kar Rape-Murder Case
