In a landmark decision, a Kolkata court has sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment till death for the brutal rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das of Sealdah passed the sentence on Monday, after Roy was convicted of the heinous crime committed on August 9, 2024.
The brutal incident, which shocked the city and the nation, led to widespread and prolonged protests, especially among medical professionals, as the victim, a postgraduate trainee doctor, was assaulted while performing her duties at the hospital. The case sparked debates and demands for stricter punishments for crimes against women.
During the proceedings, Judge Das stated that while the crime was horrific, it did not fall under the “rarest of the rare” category, which would have warranted a death penalty. As a result, Roy was sentenced to life imprisonment, with no possibility of release. The judge also ordered the state government to pay a compensation of Rs 17 lakh to the victim’s family for their loss.
Roy, a former civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was convicted under Sections 64 (rape), 66 (punishment for causing death), and 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In the court’s final statement, it acknowledged the gravity of the crime and emphasized the necessity of ensuring justice for the victim’s family.
In a brief statement after the sentencing, the family of the deceased doctor expressed their satisfaction with the court’s verdict. They, however, reiterated their call for stronger laws and better protection for healthcare workers, particularly women, working on the frontlines of the medical profession.
The trial had drawn significant attention and was seen as a pivotal moment in the fight for women’s safety in India. Medical professionals, activists, and members of the public had rallied in support of the victim’s family, calling for swift and just action against the perpetrator.
As the city absorbs the shock of the verdict, the attention now turns to ensuring better protection and safety measures for women in public service and healthcare, so that such a tragic incident is never repeated.
