GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 20th Jan. A Kolkata court today sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a 34-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The judge, Justice Anirban Das, ruled that the case did not meet the criteria for the death penalty, noting that it was not in the “rarest of the rare” category. Along with the sentence, the court directed the West Bengal government to pay Rs 17 lakh as compensation to the victim’s parents.
Although the victim’s parents, present in the courtroom, expressed that they did not want compensation but justice, the judge clarified that the compensation was awarded according to legal provisions. He further stated that the sum should not be seen as compensation for their daughter’s rape and murder.
Roy, a civic volunteer who frequently worked at the hospital, was convicted under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to rape and murder. During the hearing, he denied the charges, claiming that he had been framed. He argued that if he had committed the crime, his rudraksha mala would have broken, but the judge firmly responded that the decision was based on the evidence presented.
The CBI, which took over the investigation from the Kolkata Police, had sought the death penalty for Roy, calling the case one of the “rarest of rare” instances. The CBI and the victim’s parents urged for Roy’s execution, citing the severity of the crime. Roy’s defense lawyer referenced Supreme Court guidelines on the death penalty, prompting the judge to review them before delivering the verdict.
After the sentencing, heavy police security was deployed outside the Sealdah court premises to prevent any unrest, as protests broke out with doctors and others gathering near the court. Despite being denied permission, protesters expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that Roy was not the sole perpetrator and demanded justice for all involved. The victim’s parents also expressed disappointment with the CBI’s investigation, alleging that others involved in the crime had not been apprehended.
The tragic incident took place when the 34-year-old doctor, a postgraduate trainee, was on night duty at the hospital. The next morning, she was found dead in a seminar room. The incident led to widespread protests, with doctors across the country suspending work to demand better safety measures at work.
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