Life Imprisonment For Sanjay Roy In RG Kar Rape-Murder Case: Kolkata Court Delivers Verdict

Kolkata, January 18:

Life Imprisonment For Sanjay Roy : In a landmark judgment, a Kolkata court has awarded life imprisonment to Sanjay Roy for the gruesome rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das of Sealdah Court delivered the verdict, ruling that the case did not qualify as the “rarest of rare,” thus rejecting demands for capital punishment.

Compensation For Victim’s Family

Judge Das awarded compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the victim’s family for her tragic death and an additional Rs 7 lakh as reparation. Apart from the life term, Sanjay Roy was also given a fine of Rs 50,000. While pronouncing the verdict, the judge stated, “Justice must be served on the basis of evidence, not mere allegations.”

Life Imprisonment For Sanjay Roy: Convict’s Plea Of Innocence Rejected

In his defense during the trial, Sanjay Roy maintained he was innocent of the charges, accusing the police of malpractices in handling the case and, most specifically, the destruction of evidence. “I haven’t done this. I have been framed. Lots of things were destroyed, but if I had done it, my rudraksha mala would have broken,” he argued. However, the court ruled against the arguments by producing irrefutable evidence to affirm his guilt.

Charges And Legal Framework

Sanjay Roy was pronounced guilty under sections 64, 66, and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

• Section 64: Minimum punishment will be 10 years of imprisonment, which shall be extending to life imprisonment.
• Section 66: Describes causing death, which would attract a minimum punishment of 20 years that may extend to life imprisonment.
• Section 103(1): Defines murder through the award of punishment such as life imprisonment or death.

The prosecution, along with the CBI and the parents of the victim, had sought the death penalty and characterized the case as “rarest of rare.” The court felt that the circumstances did not go to the extent of supporting the capital punishment.

Judges’ Observe

“The evidence presented clearly establishes the convict’s involvement in the crime. While the loss of life is irreparable, the punishment must align with legal precedents and the nature of the case,” remarked Judge Das, underlining the evidence-based justice aspect.

Background Of The Case

The gruesome crime took place at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where the victim was a trainee doctor on duty. The incident shocked the medical and general community, and protests erupted demanding swift and stringent justice.

The case was thoroughly investigated, and Roy was arrested and put on trial. Roy claimed innocence, but the prosecution presented strong evidence, including forensic findings, to prove his guilt.

The sentencing of Sanjay Roy brings partial closure to the victim’s family, though the scars of the tragedy remain. The court’s decision underlines the principle of justice based on evidence while addressing the need for reparation for the grieving family. The case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of ensuring safety and justice in institutions entrusted with public care.