The Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court is set to pronounce the quantum of punishment for Sanjay Roy, the convict in the RG Kar rape and murder case, at 2:45 PM on Monday.
During the hearing, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought capital punishment for Sanjay Roy, emphasizing the severity of the crime. The court reminded the convict of the charges against him, which had been proven during the trial.
When asked to respond, Sanjay Roy maintained his innocence, claiming he was falsely implicated. “I have not done anything—neither rape nor murder. I am being falsely implicated. I already told you that I was tortured and made to sign whatever they wanted,” he told the court.
The defense lawyer argued for leniency, even in the context of the “rarest of rare” cases. “Even in such cases, there should be scope for reformation. The court must explain why the convict is beyond reform or rehabilitation. The public prosecutor must present evidence proving why the individual cannot be reformed and should be permanently removed from society,” the defense lawyer said.
However, the lawyer representing the victim’s family argued for the death sentence, stating, “I want the death sentence as the maximum punishment.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee commented on the case earlier in the day, asserting her government’s cooperation throughout the investigation. “We have fully cooperated with the investigation. We had demanded justice, but the judiciary had to follow its course, which is why it took time. However, we always wanted the victim to get justice,” Banerjee stated.
The victim’s father also called for the harshest punishment for the accused while expressing concerns about the possible involvement of others in the crime. “He [Sanjay Roy] is a criminal, but there are others involved as well. He should get the harshest punishment,” the father said, adding that the court might hear more revelations from the convict during today’s proceedings.
On August 9, 2022, the body of a trainee doctor was discovered in the seminar room of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The investigation revealed that she had been raped and murdered. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer at the hospital, was arrested in connection with the crime.
On Saturday, the Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court found Sanjay Roy guilty, framing charges under Sections 64, 66, and 103/1 of BNS. According to the court, Roy entered the hospital’s seminar room, assaulted the victim, and committed the heinous crime.
The incident sparked widespread protests, demanding swift justice for the victim. The court’s decision on Roy’s punishment is expected to provide closure in this high-profile case.
