Kolkata: A police volunteer in Kolkata was convicted on Saturday for the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. The crime, committed on August 9, ignited widespread protests and national outrage over women’s safety and security at public hospitals.
The victim’s body was discovered in a classroom at the hospital, leading to weeks of protests by her colleagues, who demanded justice and better security. Doctors across the hospital boycotted work in solidarity, intensifying public scrutiny of the case.
Sanjay Roy, the defendant, denied the charges during the trial, stating in court, “I have not done this.” His lawyers argued that the investigation and forensic reports contained significant inconsistencies. However, Judge Anirban Das ruled that the circumstantial evidence overwhelmingly proved Roy’s guilt.
“Your guilt is proved. You are being convicted,” said Judge Das, adding that Roy could face either life imprisonment or the death penalty, with sentencing scheduled for Monday.
The victim’s parents expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation, suspecting multiple individuals were involved in the heinous crime. “Our daughter could not have met such a horrific end by a single man,” her father stated. “We will remain in pain and agony until all the culprits are punished.”
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which led the probe, described the case as “rarest of rare” and requested the death penalty for Roy during the trial.
Outside the courtroom, several doctors held placards and chanted slogans demanding justice. “We will continue our protests until justice is done,” said Dr. Aniket Mahato, a spokesperson for the junior doctors.
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Heightened security surrounded the court, with more than 200 armed police personnel deployed as Roy was brought in.
The investigation involved 128 witnesses, of whom 51 were examined during the fast-tracked trial, which commenced on November 11. Authorities also charged the local police station head at the time of the crime and the former head of the hospital with tampering with evidence and destroying the crime scene.
While the police officer is currently out on bail, the former hospital head remains in detention on separate charges of financial irregularities.
The conviction marks a critical step in a case that has highlighted gaps in institutional security and the persistent concerns over women’s safety in India.
