Sealdah Court to deliver quantum of sentence of convict in RG Kar doctor’s rape-murder in afternoon

Police personnel keep vigil as Sanjay Roy, accused in the alleged rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, is brought to the Sealdah court in police vehicle on the day of the verdict in Kolkata on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.After the verdict, Roy maintained his innocence, claiming he was “falsely implicated.” He alleged that an IPS officer was involved in the incident.

Kolkata : court in Kolkata on Saturday convicted Sanjoy roy, the main accused, in the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case.

The Additional District Judge of Sealdah Court delivered the verdict, finding Roy guilty of the crime involving the brutal rape and murder of a 28-year-old postgraduate medical student.

The incident, which took place on August 9, triggered nationwide protests demanding justice and safety for medical professionals.

After the verdict, Roy maintained his innocence, claiming he was “falsely implicated.” He alleged that an IPS officer was involved in the incident.

The accused, a former civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was arrested on August 10, 2024, after the 31-year-old doctor’s body was found in the hospital’s seminar room. Roy was convicted of sexually assaulting and strangling the victim. The conviction was based on Sections 64, 66, and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

How was Roy convicted?

Roy’s conviction in the case was based on several key factors. Forensic evidence linking him to the crime scene and the victim was a crucial piece of evidence, with his DNA found on the victim’s body and at the crime scene. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the investigation from the Kolkata Police and confirmed Roy’s guilt.

The trial began on November 12, 2024, and concluded on January 9, 2025. Roy was convicted under sections 64, 66, and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, addressing rape, murder, and causing death. The judge said that the minimum possible punishment would be life imprisonment, while the maximum penalty could be the death sentence.

Punishments for serious offences

Section 64 (rape) mandates a sentence of at least 10 years, potentially extending to a life term. Section 66 (punishment for causing death or leaving the victim in a persistent vegetative state) stipulates a sentence of no less than 20 years, with the possibility of life imprisonment or the death penalty. Section 103(1) (murder) allows for either the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Honb’le Justice Anirban Das said that the 160-page judgement, which will be finalised after sentencing, will address some of the concerns raised by the complainant, the victim’s father. The judge also criticised certain actions of both the police and hospital authorities in the case.

After the verdict, Roy maintained his innocence, claiming he was “falsely implicated.” He alleged that an IPS officer was involved in the incident.

“I have been falsely implicated. I have not done this. Those who have done so are being let go. One IPS [officer] involved,” Roy said, as reported by news agency ANI.

Roy further added, “I always wear a chain of rudraksh on my neck. If I committed the crime, my chain would have been broken in the place of occurrence. I can’t commit this crime.”

During the proceedings, the CBI lawyer pleaded for the highest penalty for the convict.

“We pray for the highest penalty to maintain people’s faith in society,” the agency’s counsel told the court.

By 2:45 p.m., the Sealdah court will hand over Roy’s quantum of punishment. Roy continued claiming innocence in the case and also alleged that he was forced to sign multiple documents by the investigative agencies. The CBI and the victim’s family demanded the maximum sentence of the death penalty for Roy.

Sanjay Roy was brought to Sealdah Court on Monday for the pronouncement of his sentence. Flanked by several police vehicles, Roy was escorted out of jail around 10:15 am. The Sealdah court has been fortified with nearly 500 policemen deployed, ensuring no stone is left unturned to prevent any untoward incidents, an officer reported.

Mother’s Heart-Wrenching Acceptance

Sanjay Roy’s mother said she had accepted her son’s punishment, saying that if he is guilty, he deserves the punishment, even if it means hanging. She added that she will “cry alone” but will accept his punishment as destiny.

Court Proceedings and Family’s Trust in Judiciary

On 18 January, the court convicted Sanjay Roy in the case of rape and murder. When the parents of the deceased doctor headed to the court, they seemed to trust the judicial machinery to dispense justice. “We have faith in the judge,” claimed the father of the victim. The mother of the deceased doctor, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI probe on the grounds of “other perpetrators involved in the crime not having been brought to book.”

CBI Seeks Death Penalty for Sanjay Roy

The accused, Sanjay Roy, was also present in court as the central agency has sought the death penalty for him. The CBI also arrested former principal of RG Kar Medical College Sandeep Ghosh and Tala police station officer Abhijeet Mondal on charges of trying to destroy evidence in connection with the case. Calcutta High Court transferred the case to the CBI with strong remarks against the police and the state government for handling the immediate aftermath of the crime.As the court prepares to pronounce the quantum of the sentence, the authorities have ensured that security measures are in place to prevent any disruptions. The case continues to draw significant attention, with the public and the victim’s family eagerly awaiting the final verdict.

The Judgement

Sealdah court sentenced Roy to life imprisonment until death and directed the state to pay Rs 17 lakh as compensation to the victim’s family, rejecting demands for the death penalty saying it was not a “rarest of rare” crime.

Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) chairperson Rohan Krishnan expressed gratitude to the court for delivering the judgment within six months of the incident. However, he pointed out that several questions remain unanswered.

“We are thankful that the court has delivered its final judgment. However, there are many unanswered questions. There might be others involved, either directly or indirectly, who failed in their duty and denied justice to the victim. All those responsible must be held accountable and punished. This is our utmost demand,” Krishnan said.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to the victim’s parents and the entire medical community for standing united in seeking justice. We hope that over time, all unanswered questions in the case will be addressed,” he added.

Calling the case “rarest of rare”, Dhruv Chauhan, a National Council member of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), told PTI, “The heinous murder and rape of the female doctor is one of the most shocking cases India has witnessed. It is practically unbelievable that only one person was involved in it.

“This reflects a failure of the state and central governments’ investigation agencies in identifying other culprits. Hence, justice remains incomplete for her soul, her family and the nation. The convicted individual must be investigated further to expose any others involved.”

The incident had sparked outrage among the medical community.