Amid heightened security, Sanjay Roy, convicted of the rape and murder of a junior doctor on duty at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, appeared at the Sealdah Court on Monday for sentencing. During the proceedings, Roy claimed innocence, alleging custodial torture. “All allegations are false, I am being implicated. I am innocent, I am not being allowed to say anything. I have been tortured, beaten,” he told Additional Sessions Judge Anirban Das. Despite his claims, the judge maintained that the evidence conclusively proved his guilt.
Judge Anirban Das stated, “Clear the courtroom now. I need to work on delivering the verdict. Return at 2:45 pm.” The judge announced that Sanjay Roy's sentence would be pronounced at 2:45 pm.
Escorted by a convoy of police vehicles, Roy’s arrival was met with a heavy deployment of nearly 500 policemen to ensure order. Nevertheless, a large crowd gathered outside the court premises, with some individuals attempting to climb railings for a glimpse of the convict.
The court proceedings began at 12:36 pm, with the absence of the Investigating Officer (IO) and Assistant IO. The judge informed Roy that the charges against him could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty. The CBI lawyer demanded capital punishment, describing the case as the rarest of rare. Highlighting the brutal murder of a woman doctor who had tirelessly served for 36 hours, the judge underscored the severity of the crime and its impact on society.
Sanjay’s legal aid lawyer argued against the death penalty, citing Supreme Court guidelines that prescribe such punishment only if there is no possibility of reform. While not opposing the death penalty outright, the lawyer urged the court to consider giving him an opportunity for reformation.
The case, which shook the nation, involved the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor on August 9, 2024, in the hospital's conference room. Roy was found guilty on January 18, 2025, under sections 64, 66, and 103(1) of the BNS. These charges include severe penalties: Section 64 prescribes imprisonment for not less than 10 years, Section 66 mandates a minimum of 20 years to life imprisonment or death, and Section 103(1) entails the death penalty or life imprisonment for murder. Roy's statement was recorded at 12:30 pm.
Details of RG Kar rape and murder case
The case revolves around the gruesome murder of a 31-year-old woman trainee doctor, whose body was discovered on August 9, 2024, in a conference room at the RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the doctor was first sexually assaulted and then murdered. The incident sparked widespread protests among medical professionals, with doctors voicing their outrage over the brutal attack on one of their own.
The trial in this case began on November 12, 2024, behind closed doors. Over the course of the trial, 50 witnesses were interrogated, and on January 9, 2025, the proceedings concluded. Sanjay Roy, the main accused, was arrested just one day after the crime, on August 10, 2024. Authorities were led to Roy after a Bluetooth earphone was found near the victim’s body. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and saw Roy entering the seminar hall wearing a device around his neck, which matched the one found at the crime scene.
Sanjay Roy's statement after conviction
Following his conviction on January 18, 2025, Sanjay Roy maintained his innocence. He claimed that he was being falsely implicated in the case, stating, "If I had committed the crime, my Rudraksha mala would have been found at the crime scene." Roy, who worked as a volunteer with the West Bengal police, denied the charges of rape and murder. He further alleged that the real perpetrators had not been prosecuted. Roy was seen on CCTV footage near the seminar hall, but he insisted that he had nothing to do with the crime.
The case has raised serious concerns about safety within medical institutions and has led to public outcry over the need for stricter security measures. As the sentencing unfolds today, the outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for the way such incidents are handled in the future.
This case has captivated the attention of the nation, and today’s sentencing will mark a significant chapter in the ongoing pursuit of justice for the victim.