Life Imprisonment for Sanjay Roy in Doctor’s Rape and Murder Case in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College
The CBI special court at Sealdah sentenced Sanjay Roy, a former Kolkata Police civic volunteer, to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
While delivering the sentence in courtroom 210, Judge Anirban Das stated that the crime did not qualify as “rarest of the rare,” justifying the decision not to impose the death penalty. Roy was convicted under sections 64 (punishment for rape), 66 (punishment for causing death), and 103(1) (punishment for murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), based on compelling evidence presented by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which probed the case following an order from the Calcutta High Court.
On Saturday, Roy denied his involvement, claiming he had been framed. When produced in court at 12:36 PM on Monday, he reiterated his innocence. The CBI’s counsel argued for the death penalty, calling the crime “rarest of the rare,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining public trust in the judiciary. The defense, however, urged the court to consider alternatives to the death penalty, citing the Supreme Court’s directives and arguing for Roy’s potential reformation.
The lawyer representing the victim’s family demanded maximum punishment, highlighting Roy’s betrayal of trust as a civic volunteer assigned to safeguard the hospital. The hearing concluded around 1 PM, with Judge Das instructing Roy’s counsel to submit relevant Supreme Court directives in writing.
While the court proceedings were ongoing, protests erupted near Sealdah Metro Station. Members of the medical community, civil rights activists, and junior doctors expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation, alleging that other perpetrators involved in the crime and its cover-up were being shielded.
“Roy’s involvement is clear, but he couldn’t have acted alone. Those responsible for this heinous crime remain free, emboldened by their impunity,” said a protester.
State Congress president Shubhankar Sarkar, leading a separate protest near the court, criticized corruption and nepotism in the health department. “This tragedy has exposed the darker side of the state health system. The motive behind her death remains unclear,” he said.
Despite heavy security with 500 police personnel deployed, crowds gathered at the court premises, some climbing railings to glimpse the convict. Roy was brought to court from jail under tight security, arriving at 10:40 AM.
The victim’s parents, who were present at the hearing, expressed mixed feelings. “We trust the judiciary, but we believe Sanjay Roy should have received the death penalty. Others involved must also face justice,” said the victim’s father. Her mother criticized the CBI’s failure to apprehend additional culprits. “This crime wasn’t committed by one man alone. The others must be caught and punished to prevent similar tragedies,” she said.
Denied permission for a demonstration near the court, junior doctors gathered outside the metro station to raise slogans against the CBI and demand accountability.
Roy’s family remained largely silent. His sister commented, “All evidence points to him. If he receives severe punishment, even the death penalty, what can we do?”
