Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: In a landmark judgment, a Kolkata court on Saturday convicted Sanjay Roy, the primary accused in the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, under Sections 64, 66, and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Roy has been found guilty of the brutal rape and murder of a 28-year-old postgraduate medical trainee whose body was discovered in a hospital seminar room on August 9, 2024. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday, January 22.
Sanjay Roy’s Outburst in Court
Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, denied all charges and claimed he was being falsely implicated. “I have not committed this crime. The real culprits are being shielded. One IPS officer is involved,” he alleged in court. He further argued that the chain of evidence did not align with his alleged actions, citing the intact state of his rudraksh necklace as proof of his innocence.
Concerns of a Broader Conspiracy
The conviction has not quelled public and political unrest, with many raising concerns about evidence tampering and the potential involvement of other individuals in the crime.
•Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar:
“The people of West Bengal believe more than one person was involved. Evidence was tampered with during the five days of Kolkata Police’s initial investigation. The RG Kar incident exposes the state’s poor law and order situation,” he said.
•Junior Doctor Aniket Mahato:
Mahato questioned how a civic volunteer gained access to the medical college to commit such a crime. He alleged destruction of evidence, as mentioned in the CBI chargesheet, and expressed doubts about Roy being the sole perpetrator.
•CPI(M) Leader Brinda Karat:
Karat pointed to a corrupt nexus behind the incident. “Sanjay Roy is guilty, but who are the powers backing him? The government and administration are equally responsible,” she said.
Legal and Political Implications
Sanjay Roy was convicted under:
•Section 64 (BNS): For rape.
•Section 66 (BNS): For causing death.
•Section 103(1) (BNS): For committing murder, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or the death sentence.
The case, which sparked nationwide protests, reached the Supreme Court, prompting suo motu cognizance to address workplace safety for doctors and monitor the investigation.
Nationwide Outrage
The rape and murder of the medical trainee ignited protests across the country, with demands for justice and a safer environment for healthcare workers. Following public outcry, the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI. The CBI chargesheet pointed to procedural lapses in the initial police inquiry, further fueling allegations of a larger conspiracy.
What’s Next?
The sentencing of Sanjay Roy is scheduled for Monday, January 22, at 12:30 PM. Activists and the victim’s family continue to demand justice, emphasizing that the conviction is only the first step in unearthing the full truth.
