Sanjay Roy Sentenced to Life for Rape and Murder of R.G. Kar Doctor

In a significant verdict, a special court in Kolkata has sentenced Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer, to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a female doctor from R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. The horrifying crime, which shook the city, occurred on August 9 of the previous year, with the victim’s body discovered in the seminar hall of the state-run hospital.

The court, delivering its sentence, dismissed the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) appeal for the death penalty, stating that the case did not meet the “rarest of rare” standard. In addition to the life sentence, the court imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on Roy.

Compensation for the Victim’s Family

The court also directed the West Bengal government to compensate the victim’s family with Rs 17 lakh, citing legal provisions that mandate compensation when crimes occur within a state-run institution. While the family had earlier expressed that they did not seek monetary compensation, the judge emphasized that the payment was a legal obligation, leaving the family free to decide how to utilize the funds.

“Though no amount of money can ever replace the life lost, the state must fulfill its legal responsibilities,” the court observed while acknowledging the family’s grief.

Case Timeline and Legal Proceedings

The victim’s murder initially drew the attention of the Kolkata Police, but the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI just five days after the crime. Roy was subsequently arrested, and the CBI handled the investigation, culminating in his conviction on January 18.

The trial commenced on November 11, 2023, and concluded swiftly in just 59 days. The sentencing, delivered on January 20, marked a significant legal milestone, as the entire process was completed in 164 days.

Ongoing Probe into Evidence Tampering

While Sanjay Roy has been convicted, the case is far from closed. Allegations of evidence tampering remain under investigation. The CBI informed the court that a supplementary charge sheet might be filed regarding these accusations.

Two key individuals, former R.G. Kar Medical College Principal Sandip Ghosh and former SHO of Tala Police Station Abhijit Mondal, were earlier accused of obstructing the initial investigation. Both were granted default bail after the CBI failed to file a charge sheet within the mandated 90-day period.

The court acknowledged the possibility of further developments in the case as investigations into the alleged cover-up continue.

Public Response and Broader Implications

The case has sparked widespread outrage and debate over workplace safety, especially in state-run institutions. Women’s rights groups have called for stricter measures to ensure the safety of professionals in vulnerable environments.

The court’s ruling, while providing a sense of justice to the victim’s family, has also placed the spotlight on systemic failures in handling such cases. The ongoing probe into evidence tampering suggests that deeper institutional lapses may yet come to light.

As the investigation continues, the case serves as a grim reminder of the need for accountability, safety, and swift justice in crimes of such a brutal nature.