KOLKATA: In a significant development, Sanjay Roy, an Indian police volunteer, was convicted on Saturday for the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The case, which has drawn national outrage over women’s safety, was expedited through the judicial system in response to public demand for justice.
Crime and Investigation
The body of the young woman was discovered in a classroom at RG Kar Medical College on August 9. This tragic incident led to widespread protests, with fellow doctors refusing to work for weeks to advocate for justice and improved security measures in public hospitals.
During the trial, Sanjay Roy maintained his innocence, claiming he was being framed. He reiterated this stance in court, stating, “I have not done this.” However, the evidence presented by the prosecution proved otherwise.
Verdict and Sentencing
Judge Anirban Das stated that circumstantial evidence firmly established Roy’s guilt. The sentence for his conviction will be announced on Monday, with options ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty. The judge remarked, “Your guilt is proved. You are being convicted.”
The parents of the victim, whose identity is protected under Indian law, expressed their discontent with the investigation, suggesting that the crime could not have been committed by a single person.Her father emphasized their persistent pain, saying, “Our daughter could not have met such a horrific end by a single man. We will remain in pain and agony until all the culprits are punished.”
Public Reaction and Continued Protests
The case, deemed “rarest of rare” by India’s federal police, has sparked a strong reaction from the medical community and the public. Several doctors rallied outside the court, chanting slogans in solidarity with the victim. Dr. Aniket Mahato,A junior doctors’ spokesperson announced that protests would persist“until justice is done.”
In anticipation of the verdict, over 200 armed police personnel were deployed, ensuring security as Roy was brought to court. The investigation included testimony from 128 witnesses, with 51 being examined during the trial, which commenced on November 11 and was fast-tracked to provide a resolution swiftly.
Accountability for Police and Hospital Officials
In addition to Roy’s conviction, police charged the officer in charge of the local police station during the crime and the then-head of the hospital with destroying the crime scene and tampering with evidence. The police officer is currently out on bail, while the former hospital head remains in custody due to a separate case involving financial irregularities.
This conviction marks a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for women’s safety in India, highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes to protect women and ensure justice in cases of violence against them.
