Kolkata: A court in Kolkata convicted Sanjoy Roy, the sole accused in the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, on Saturday. The 32-year-old was found guilty of attacking, sexually assaulting, and strangling the victim to death on August 9, 2023. The sentencing phase is scheduled for Monday, with the maximum punishment for his crimes ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty.
Roy, who stood in the witness box during the court hearing, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. “I am innocent. I have a Rudraksh garland around my neck. If I had committed the crime, it would have snapped that day.Roy stated, “They are framing me,” visibly agitated. He refused to step down from the witness box, and the police had to forcibly remove him after the judge declined to allow further statements.
Justice Anirban Das, presiding over the case, declared Roy guilty after considering witness testimonies and documentary evidence. “The court finds you guilty of attacking the victim, throttling her, and sexually assaulting her,” said Justice Das in a packed courtroom. Roy faced charges under sections 64 (rape), 66 (inflicting injury leading to death or a vegetative state), and 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty.
The court hearing took place under heightened security, with over 100 police officers present to manage the crowd outside and inside the courtroom. Hundreds of people gathered outside Sealdah court, speculating whether Roy was the actual culprit or a scapegoat. Lawyers, police officers, and media personnel filled the courtroom, all waiting for the verdict.
The court criticized certain aspects of the investigation, including the role of hospital authorities and the police. “The case stands on circumstantial evidence, and some actions by the hospital authorities created confusion in my mind,” said Justice Das during the brief 5-minute session. Despite this, the court convicted Roy, and the judge affirmed that authorities would announce the quantum of his sentence on Monday.
The victim’s family, present in the courtroom, expressed their gratitude towards the judge. The victim’s father, overwhelmed with emotion, thanked the judge for upholding their faith in the justice system. “Judge saheb, we had kept our faith on you. You have kept its honour. We want to thank you,” he said.
After the verdict, authorities escorted Roy back to Presidency Correctional Home, where he will stay until the sentencing phase. CBI counsel Partha Sarathi Dutta confirmed that the court found Roy guilty on all charges, and the court will deliver the sentence on Monday.
The case has stirred strong reactions from junior doctors who had staged protests last year, demanding justice for the victim. Aniket Mahata, a prominent junior doctor who led the hunger strike, expressed doubts about the thoroughness of the investigation. Mahata stated, “We still believe that more than one person was involved and that the investigation tampered with evidence.” Until authorities bring all the individuals involved to justice, we won’t consider this justice.”
The court’s verdict marks an important step toward justice for the victim, but it remains to be seen whether the investigation will reveal further details and whether authorities will hold others accountable if they were involved.
