RG Kar doctor’s rape-murder: Civic volunteer Sanjay Roy held guilty

A Kolkata court on Saturday (January 18) convicted Sanjoy Roy, a civic police volunteer, of the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Hospital.

The Sealdah court, where Roy’s trial was held, will declare his sentence on Monday, Anirban Das, the additional district and sessions judge, said.

The judgement ignited widespread emotions, drawing lawyers, activists, doctors, and citizens to the bustling court premises.

Wider conspiracy?

The case involved the alleged rape and murder of a 28-year-old postgraduate medical trainee whose lifeless body was discovered in a hospital seminar room on August 9 last year. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, was arrested the next day.

Also read: RG Kar case: Medicos protest, allege CBI delaying probe

Investigators claimed that he acted alone, but the victim’s family and junior doctors’ groups suspected a wider conspiracy.

Two months of trial

The judgement was pronounced nearly two months after the in-camera trial commenced in November last year and 162 days after the heinous crime was committed.

Roy was found guilty under Sections 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita that governs rape, and Sections 66 and 103 (1) of the Act, which deals with punishments for death and murder.

Section 103 (1) of BNS entails a maximum punishment of death or life imprisonment.

Hope and scepticism

By Saturday morning, an air of quiet tension had descended over the usually chaotic court complex.

Groups of lawyers gathered in hushed discussions, their words laced with a mix of hope and scepticism. “This isn’t just a case; it’s a watershed moment for justice in our country,” said a senior advocate.

Outside, Sealdah’s streets mirrored the court premises' charged atmosphere.

Also read: Bengal: CBI under fire for 'eroding public trust' with long list of unsolvable cases

Security tightened

Security at the Sealdah court complex had been tightened significantly, with Kolkata Police erecting multiple barricades to control access and ensure the safety of all attendees.

On Saturday morning, the presence of uniformed officers around the court was unmistakable, as authorities prepared for the crowds expected to gather.

Animated discussions

Commuters at the nearby railway station paused to glance at the court building, while passersby engaged in animated discussions about the impending verdict.

“Will he get the maximum punishment?” one local man asked.

Protesters had gathered outside the court premises and demanded maximum punishment for Roy, as a prison van ferrying him entered the court premises.

Also read: Doctors, political parties protest after RG Kar case suspects granted bail

'Should set a precedent'

“He must be given the strictest punishment, it should set a precedent,” said Koushik Maity, a leader of 'Bangla Pokkha', a Bengali outfit.

The crime sent shockwaves across the nation, triggering protests over workplace safety for medical professionals.

The trial, which began in late August, unfolded behind closed doors in a closely monitored courtroom.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had sought the harshest punishment for Roy, presenting evidence, including CCTV footage and his presence near the crime scene.

Parents question probe

The medic’s parents thanked the judge for the guilty verdict and said the court honoured the trust they had reposed in it. However, they have repeatedly questioned the thoroughness of the investigation.

“One person alone couldn’t have done this. We demand a larger investigation to uncover the full truth," the victim’s parents stated.

Adding to the chorus of voices demanding justice, the Junior Doctors’ Front (JDF) has planned a demonstration at the court complex at 2 pm on Saturday.

Also read: Trial in RG Kar rape-murder likely to conclude in a month: SC

They will be joined by three other medical associations, including the Medical Service Centre and Nurses Unity Forum. “This is not just about justice for one of us,” said a JDF spokesperson.

Roy's defence

Roy, currently held at Presidency Jail, has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming he is being framed. At the time of the verdict, too, Roy claimed in court that he was framed.

In his defence, Roy said, "I wear a rudraksh necklace, and if I had committed the crime, it would have snapped.”

The judge, however, said he would have an opportunity to speak on Monday before the sentence is pronounced. Das said Roy’s statement will be heard at 12.30 pm on Monday, and the sentence will be pronounced thereafter.

After the judgement, police whisked away Roy from the courtroom to the Presidency Correctional Home under strict vigil, preventing the waiting media persons from attempting any kind of interaction with him.

(With agency inputs)