Convict of Rape and Murder at RG Kar Hospital Faces Court Sentencing
Sanjay Roy, a civil police volunteer, has been convicted of rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar hospital. The judge has asked for his views before delivering the quantum of punishment.
### Conviction and Charges
Additional district and sessions judge Anirban Das of the Sealdah court declared Sanjay Roy guilty of rape and murder of the trainee doctor on August 9 last year. He was found guilty of sexually assaulting the doctor and strangling her under Sections 64, 66, and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The judge mentioned that the judgment, which spans over 160 pages, will address questions raised by the victim’s father. Sanjay Roy’s statement is scheduled to be heard at 12.30 pm, after which the sentence will be given.
### Punishment and Legal Provisions
Section 66 of the BNS provides for a punishment of not less than 20 years, which may extend to life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Section 103(1) of BNS covers murder and also includes provisions for the death penalty or life imprisonment. Section 64 of BNS deals with rape and ensures a jail term of not less than 10 years, extending up to life imprisonment.
### Background and Outrage
The crime committed by Sanjay Roy had sparked nationwide outrage and prolonged protests. Formerly a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, he was arrested on August 10, 2024, a day after the victim’s body was discovered in the hospital’s seminar room.
The investigation was later transferred from the Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Calcutta High Court. Judge Anirban Das mentioned in his judgment that he criticized some actions of the police and hospital authorities during the case.
### Reaction and Response
Upon receiving the guilty verdict, Sanjay Roy claimed he was framed, while the victim’s parents expressed gratitude to the court for delivering justice. Sanjay Roy’s family stated that they will not challenge the conviction and apologized to the victim’s family. His elder sister mentioned that they accept the law’s decision and that justice must be served.
As the case progresses towards the sentencing phase, the court is expected to consider all aspects before delivering the final judgment. The incident has not only highlighted the need for stricter laws and better implementation but also emphasized the importance of ensuring justice for victims of such heinous crimes.