The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought the death penalty for Sanjay Roy, convicted of raping and murdering a 31-year-old trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The sentencing by the Sealdah court is expected at 2:45 p.m. on Monday.
Sanjay Roy Claims Innocence
Sanjay Roy, who was found guilty on Saturday of sexually assaulting and throttling the victim to death in August last year, maintains that he has been wrongly convicted. Speaking in court ahead of his sentencing, Roy stated, “I am being framed and have not committed any crime. I was beaten in prison and forced to sign papers.”
His lawyer argued for leniency, suggesting that even in “rarest of rare” cases, there should be room for reformation. “The court must present evidence showing why the convict is beyond rehabilitation or why he should be eliminated from society entirely,” the defense counsel said.
CBI and Victim’s Family Demand Maximum Penalty
The CBI has firmly advocated for the harshest punishment, stating, “We pray for the highest penalty to maintain society’s faith in justice.”
The victim’s family echoed this sentiment. The family’s lawyer emphasized, “I want the death sentence as the maximum punishment.” The victim’s mother, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation, alleging that other perpetrators involved in the crime were not apprehended.
“Only one person is not responsible for this heinous crime. The CBI has failed to bring the others to justice. Such criminals have no right to live if society is to prevent similar crimes in the future,” she said.
Timeline of the Case
The victim’s body was discovered on August 9, 2024, in a seminar room at RG Kar Medical College, sparking nationwide protests and outrage. Sanjay Roy was arrested the following day, and the case was soon handed over to the CBI due to its high-profile nature.
Roy was convicted under Sections 64 (rape), 66 (causing death or persistent vegetative state), and 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Chief Minister and Public Reaction
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refrained from commenting directly on the case before sentencing. “I had earlier demanded the death penalty, but it depends on the judge and the framing of the case,” she said.
The case has sparked debates on the adequacy of investigative processes and the need for systemic reforms. Public protests demanding justice for the victim underline the gravity of the situation and the public’s trust in the judiciary.
Conclusion
As the Sealdah court prepares to deliver its sentence, the RG Kar rape-murder case remains a grim reminder of the importance of justice in maintaining societal faith. The victim’s family and the CBI’s push for the death penalty reflect the weight of the crime and the demand for accountability.
