Kolkata Court Convicts Sanjoy Roy in RG Kar Rape-Murder Case

Kolkata: A session’s court in Kolkata’s Sealdah area has found civic volunteer Sanjoy Roy guilty of raping and murdering a 31-year-old trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The crime, which occurred on the night of August 8-9, 2024, sent shockwaves through the city and sparked widespread protests across Kolkata and other major Indian cities.

The court has reserved its decision on the quantum of punishment, with both capital punishment and life imprisonment being considered as possible sentences. The final ruling on the punishment will be announced on Monday.

According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chargesheet, Sanjoy Roy was the sole individual accused of the crime. Following the incident, public outrage grew, with many believing others may have been involved. Protests by junior doctors and citizens intensified, leading to the Calcutta High Court transferring the case to the CBI for a more thorough investigation, after concerns over the local police’s handling of the matter.

The victim, a trainee doctor, was allegedly raped and murdered in a seminar room where she had gone to rest after completing her shift. The case triggered frequent protests, including night vigils, candlelight marches, and symbolic human chains, as citizens demanded justice.

The incident also led to allegations of corruption against the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, Sandip Ghosh, who had faced student protests following the crime. Ghosh was later arrested in both the corruption and rape-murder case, though he was granted bail in the murder case while remaining in custody for the corruption charges.

Prior to the CBI’s intervention, the state administration faced criticism for its handling of the case, including the delay in filing FIRs, alleged attempts to cover up details, and the controversial reassignment of Ghosh to another college post after his resignation. Additionally, the OC of Tala Police Station, who was arrested in connection with the case, has since been granted bail.

In the wake of the tragedy, junior doctors staged multiple ceaseworks, continuing their protests until they met with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for a resolution.