RG Kar Rape And Murder Case: Sanjay Roy Pronounced Guilty, Sentenced For Life

Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, has been sentenced to life imprisonment and fined Rs 50,000 after being convicted by a CBI court for the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.

The crime was not categorised as "rarest of rare," which could have warranted the death penalty. Justice Anirban Das has also ordered the West Bengal government to pay a compensatory sum of Rs 17 lakh to the victim's parents. 

The victim's parents, present in the courtroom, folded their hands and expressed that they did not seek compensation, but justice. In response, the judge stated that compensation had been ordered in accordance with the law, and the family was free to use the funds as they wished. The judge emphasised that the amount should not be viewed as compensation for the rape and murder of their daughter.

Roy has been convicted under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, pertaining to rape and murder.

Earlier today, Roy had addressed the court, saying, "I haven't done this. I have been framed. Lots of things were destroyed, but if I had done it then my rudraksha mala would have broken. You decide whether I have been framed or not."

The judge responded that he was obligated to deliver justice. "I decide on the basis of the evidence before me. I have heard you as well for three hours. Your lawyer has argued your case. The charges have been proved. Now I want to know your views on the punishment," he said.

The victim's parents have expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI's investigation, alleging that "other perpetrators involved in the crime have not been brought to justice". The victim's mother stated, "Only one person is not involved in the crime, yet the CBI has failed to apprehend the others. Such criminals have no right to live if we are to prevent future crimes in society."

The woman's body was discovered in a seminar hall at the hospital on the morning of Aug. 9, 2024. The victim was a postgraduate trainee. Sanjay Roy was arrested the following day after the Kolkata Police identified him using a Bluetooth earphone found near the body, along with CCTV footage showing him entering the seminar hall wearing the device.

The case sparked widespread outrage and protests across the nation. On Aug. 15, a violent mob attacked the emergency ward of RG Kar hospital during a "Reclaim the Night" rally organised by women and activists demanding justice.