On Monday, the Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for his involvement in the RG Kar rape and murder case. In addition, the court imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on the convict.
During the hearing, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)Life Imprisonment had sought the death penalty, calling for “capital punishment” for Sanjay Roy.
Addressing the court, the judge reminded the accused of the charges he had been convicted of and stated that the evidence presented had proven these charges beyond a reasonable doubt. However, Sanjay Roy maintained his innocence, claiming he was “falsely implicated.”
“I have not committed any crime, neither rape nor murder. I am being falsely framed. Everything is on record. I told you I was tortured and forced to sign documents against my will,” Roy argued.
The defense lawyer contended that even if the case falls under the “rarest of rare” category, the possibility of reformation should not be dismissed. “In cases like these, the court must evaluate whether the convict can be reformed or rehabilitated. The prosecution must present evidence proving why the individual is beyond redemption and unfit for reintegration into society,” the defense lawyer argued.
On the other hand, the victim’s family and their legal counsel demanded the harshest punishment, including the death penalty. The victim’s father vowed to continue their fight for justice, saying, “We have full faith in the judiciary. Our fight will continue in the courts and on the streets.”
The case, involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, sparked widespread protests across West Bengal. The victim’s body was discovered on August 9 in the hospital’s seminar room, leading to a public outcry for swift justice.
Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer at the hospital, was arrested following the incident. The court found him guilty under sections 64, 66, and 103/1 of the Bengal National Security Act (BNS).
The case drew significant attention, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasizing her government’s commitment to justice. Speaking before the court hearing, Banerjee said, “We have cooperated with the investigation from the beginning. The judiciary had to follow its course, which is why it took time. But we have always sought justice for the victim.”
The court noted that the accused had entered the hospital seminar room, assaulted, and murdered the trainee doctor who was resting there. The gruesome incident not only outraged the medical community but also highlighted issues of safety within hospital premises.
The sentencing of Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice, but the victim’s family remains determined to seek the death penalty, ensuring the case remains a focal point of public and legal discourse.
