RG Kar Rape and Murder Case: In a landmark ruling, the Sealdah Court in Kolkata has convicted Sanjay Roy, the prime accused in the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. On January 18, 2025, Roy was found guilty of the crime, following an intense trial that lasted for over two months.

Roy, who was identified as the "sole prime accused" by the CBI in their investigation, was charged under Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rape and Sections 66 and 103(1) for murder and death penalties. The maximum sentence Roy could face is the death penalty or life imprisonment.

After the verdict, the victim’s parents expressed their heartfelt thanks to the court. They said they felt their trust in the judiciary had been honoured, especially as the evidence, including forensic reports, confirmed Roy’s involvement in the crime. DNA found at the crime scene and on the victim’s body linked Roy to the horrific act.

However, Roy, 33, denied the charges during the trial, claiming he was "framed" and stating that those truly responsible were still free. The judge reassured Roy that he would have the chance to speak at the sentencing hearing, scheduled for Monday, January 20.

Also Read: 'He Wasn't Alone': RG Kar Victim's Mother Demands Arrest Of Remaining Culprits After Sanjay Roy's Conviction

Key Developments In The RG Kar Case:

- The Sealdah Court’s ruling came 59 days after the trial began on November 12, 2024. The case had sparked nationwide protests, especially among medical professionals, after the victim’s tragic death in August 2024.

- Sanjay Roy was convicted under Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which governs rape, as well as Sections 66 and 103(1), which address penalties for murder and death. Notably, the maximum penalty under Section 103(1) is either the death penalty or life imprisonment.

- Following the verdict, Roy pleaded not guilty, claiming he had been falsely accused. "I have not done anything. Why were those truly responsible allowed to go free? I am not guilty. This is a conspiracy against me," he shouted in court.

- The judge assured Roy that he would be allowed to speak when the court pronounces the quantum of his sentence on Monday. "The accused will be heard on Monday. He is now being sent to judicial custody. His punishment will be announced at 12:30," the judge stated.

- The court further clarified that the maximum possible sentence for Roy would be the death penalty, with life imprisonment as the minimum option.

- During the proceedings, Judge Anirban Das reassured the victim’s family that justice would prevail. The victim’s father, visibly emotional, thanked the judge, saying, “You have honoured the faith we placed in the judiciary.”

- Roy is currently being held at Kolkata’s Presidency Jail. Despite his claims of being wrongfully accused, the evidence presented in court led to his conviction.

- The victim’s mother, while acknowledging the conviction, stated that they were still awaiting justice for the other culprits involved.

- The victim's father, deeply moved, thanked the court, saying, "You have given due importance to the faith."

- Sanjay Roy’s elder sister stated that the family had no plans to challenge the court’s decision. "Please leave me alone. We are shattered," she said when reporters asked if she believed her brother was guilty.

- Roy will be sentenced on Monday (January 20), providing a sense of accountability to the thousands of people who took to the streets demanding justice for the trainee doctor.

Also Read: Rape, Murder, Nationwide Protests And Finally Conviction | Timeline Of Events In Horrific RG Kar Case

BJP-TMC Clash Amid Court Verdict

The verdict has not only been a significant step towards justice for the victim, but it has also sparked political debates. Amit Malviya, head of the BJP's IT cell, accused the Kolkata Police of mishandling evidence in the case. He claimed that important evidence was destroyed and that the Mamata Banerjee government was trying to cover up the crime.

In response, senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh defended the actions of the Chief Minister and the Kolkata Police, highlighting their swift response in arresting Roy and condemning the crime from the start. Ghosh expressed confidence that the convicted man would face the maximum penalty under the law.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) state secretary Mohammad Salim caused controversy with his remarks on the verdict. He compared the case to the Babri Masjid demolition verdict, accusing the court of rushing its decision without a proper investigation. Salim also suggested that the investigation had concealed the full extent of the crime, calling it an "organised crime at the highest levels."

Sukanta Majumdar, President of the BJP in West Bengal, also called for the maximum punishment for Roy and others involved in the crime. He expressed doubts about the handling of evidence by the Kolkata Police in the initial stages of the investigation, alleging that key evidence had been tampered with.

What Is RG Kar Hospital Rape And Murder Case?

The RG Kar rape and murder case dates back to August 9, 2024, when a 31-year-old female trainee doctor was found raped and murdered while on duty at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Her semi-naked body was found on the third floor of the seminar hall. On August 10, Kolkata Police arrested Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer, in connection with the crime, sparking nationwide protests from junior doctors.

In response to public pressure, the hospital’s principal, Sandip Ghosh, resigned on August 12, and the West Bengal government transferred the hospital's Superintendent. On August 13, the victim’s parents, along with several public interest litigations, petitioned the Calcutta High Court for a CBI investigation, which was granted.

Protests intensified, with violent demonstrations at RG Kar Medical College on August 15, and on August 17, doctors nationwide went on a 24-hour strike in solidarity with the victim. On August 18, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the case, criticizing the West Bengal government and Kolkata Police for delays in filing the FIR.

A 10-member task force was established to address the safety of healthcare professionals. The CBI arrested Sandip Ghosh on September 2 for alleged financial fraud, and on September 14, both Ghosh and Abhijit Mondal were arrested for delays in filing the FIR and missing evidence.

A charge sheet was filed against Sanjay Roy on October 7, and the in-camera trial began on November 12. Due to delays in filing the charge sheet, Ghosh and Mondal were granted bail on December 13. The trial for Sanjay Roy concluded on January 9, 2025, and on January 18, the Sealdah court convicted him, with sentencing scheduled for January 20.