KOLKATA: An Indian police volunteer Sanjay Roy was convicted on Saturday of the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, marking the end of a speedy trial for a crime igniting national outrage concerning the safety of women. The woman’s body was discovered on August 9, 2024, within the college’s classrooms, leading to the medical community's protests and calls for increased security measures at public hospitals.
During the trial, defendant Sanjay Roy maintained his innocence, stating, "I have not done this," as he insisted he was being framed. The courtroom's atmosphere was tense as Judge Anirban Das delivered the verdict, asserting, "Your guilt is proved. You are being convicted." He cautioned Roy about the impending sentence, which could range from life imprisonment to the death penalty, emphasizing the case's gravity.
The victim’s parents, who remain unnamed due to Indian law stipulations, expressed their distress and disbelief, claiming there must be more culprits involved. Her father criticized the investigation, stating, "Our daughter could not have met such a horrific end by a single man," reflecting widespread sentiments echoed by members of the medical fraternity as they rallied for justice.
Protests surged outside the courtroom, led by doctors chanting slogans demanding justice and accountability. Dr. Aniket Mahato, spokesperson for the junior doctors, reaffirmed their commitment to protesting until justice was fully achieved.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution highlighted circumstantial evidence against Roy, with more than 128 witnesses cited, including 51 who testified. The probe extended beyond Roy, as police charged the local police officer on duty during the crime and the ex-head of the hospital for allegedly tampering with evidence and compromising the investigation. The former hospital head currently faces unrelated charges of financial misconduct.
Accompanying the conviction, political sentiments shaped the narrative, with West Bengal BJP president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar visiting the victim’s family. He confirmed, "I have told them to keep the fight on," as he passed their concerns about the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to the authorities. The family has publicly stated their dissatisfaction with both state police and CBI investigations, claiming inadequate attention and resources were allocated to the case.
After the meeting, the victim’s father relayed the conversation, declaring, "Sukanta Majumdar gave us guidelines of how to go forward," as he detailed their frustrations with CBI investigator performances. The victim's family voiced feelings of pressure from local political leaders, intensifying their struggle for justice.
Later, the grieving family met with Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, underscoring their desperation for comprehensive investigations. "I asked for justice for my daughter and also the CBI should do their investigation properly," the father expressed, calling for higher-level intervention from the government. His commitment to pursuing justice included demands for meetings with the President and Prime Minister.
This heart-wrenching case has reignited discussions across India about the safety and treatment of women, with prominent voices from the community and political figures urging for reform and heightened safety measures within medical and educational institutions. The conviction of Sanjay Roy may represent just the beginning of the demands for justice and accountability.
Despite the courtroom's judgment, the victim's parents remain fearful for their daughter's memory, as the overarching cry for justice continues to reverberate across Kolkata and beyond. The family has vowed to fight relentlessly until all involved parties are held accountable for their heinous actions. Dr. Mahato and other colleagues have pledged unwavering support, pushing for sustained pressure on law enforcement to prevent future atrocities against women.