– Shabana Javed
Kolkata: On August 9, 2024, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital became the centre of national attention after the body of a young doctor was discovered with allegations that she had been raped and murdered, sparking outrage across the country. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly demanded the death penalty for the perpetrator. The crime triggered widespread protests, particularly among junior doctors in Kolkata and other parts of India, who called for justice and improved safety measures for healthcare professionals.
Today, Kolkata Sessions Court delivered its verdict in the case, convicting Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, for the brutal rape and murder of the 31-year-old trainee doctor. The prosecution’s case rested on forensic evidence, including DNA and biological samples from the crime scene, which conclusively linked Roy to the crime. The autopsy revealed that the victim suffered multiple injuries, and the cause of death was determined to be strangulation and smothering.
Due to public outrage and doubts about the initial investigation, the CBI took over the case on August 13, 2024. Their inquiry led to the arrest of Sanjay Roy. The court found the evidence against him overwhelming.
The victim’s family expressed mixed emotions following the conviction. While they felt relieved by the verdict, they voiced dissatisfaction with the investigation, suspecting that others were also involved in the crime. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday, with the prosecution seeking the maximum penalty.
Dr. Biparesh Chakraborty, a senior resident doctor at SSKM Hospital, criticised the investigation, stating, “While we believe Sanjay Roy is involved, we are certain others played a role in this institutional crime. Individuals like Sandeep Ghosh and his associates must also be held accountable.” He lamented the victim’s tragic fate, adding, “A mother and father have lost their daughter. What could be more painful? We will not back down until justice is fully served.”
Meanwhile, the Junior Doctors Association voiced its dissatisfaction with the verdict, claiming justice had not been achieved. The Western Junior Doctors Front released a pamphlet questioning the decision, with lines such as, “Who will stand up for the poor?” and “Why do the cries for justice remain unheard 77 years after Independence?”
In an emotional statement after the verdict, the victim’s father thanked the judge, saying through tears, “You have honoured the trust I placed in you. Thank you.”
