The city of Kolkata witnessed a landmark judgment as a local court found Sanjay Roy, a 33-year-old civic police volunteer, guilty of the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College. This case, which sent shockwaves through the nation last year, reached its conclusion with a 160-page judgment delivered by the Additional District and Sessions Court in Sealdah.
The Crime That Shook the Nation
The case dates back to over five months ago, when the 31-year-old woman doctor was found dead under mysterious and brutal circumstances after her night duty at RG Kar Medical College. Her death exposed glaring lapses in institutional safety measures and stirred public outrage, demanding swift justice. The case was later handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) amidst allegations of evidence tampering and a lack of confidence in the initial probe conducted by Kolkata Police.
Court’s Findings and Conviction
Judge Anirban Das’s verdict convicted Sanjay Roy under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita dealing with rape, murder, and causing death. The judgment highlighted inconsistencies and misconduct by various authorities, including the HoD, MSVP, and Principal of RG Kar Medical College. These lapses were criticized for creating confusion during the investigation and trial process.
Despite Roy’s repeated claims of being framed, evidence collected during the CBI probe and his initial confession proved decisive in the court’s ruling. The court acknowledged the victim’s family’s faith in the judicial system, with her father expressing deep gratitude to the judge.
Emotional Scenes in Court
The courtroom was filled with raw emotion as the judgment was read. The victim’s father broke down, stating, “You have honored the faith that I reposed in you.” Meanwhile, Roy, escorted under heavy security, continued to protest his innocence, alleging that a certain “IPS” officer had crucial knowledge about the case. His sentencing is scheduled for Monday, where arguments on the punishment will be presented.
A Case Highlighting Systemic Issues
This case not only brought justice to the victim’s family but also highlighted systemic failures in institutional safety and investigative processes. The criticism directed at the hospital authorities and police underscores the need for reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future. Enhanced security measures, stricter protocols, and accountability at workplaces, especially for women, are essential takeaways from this case.
Awaiting Sentencing
As the nation awaits the sentencing on Monday, this judgment stands as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by women in their workplaces and the urgent need for systemic change. It also reinforces the importance of a robust judicial system that ensures accountability and justice, no matter how daunting the circumstances.
For more important updates, follow Jobaaj Stories' WhatsApp channel.