Doctor rape-murder case: CBI files appeal in HC seeking death penalty for Sanjay

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North News

Kolkata, January 24

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday filed an appeal before the Calcutta High Court, seeking the death penalty for Sanjay Roy, convicted in the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital. The court will hear the appeal on January 27, alongside a similar plea from the West Bengal government.

On January 18, an Additional District and Sessions Court in Sealdah sentenced Roy, a 33-year-old civic police volunteer, to life imprisonment until natural death. The court also awarded ₹17 lakh in compensation to the victim’s family.The CBI, describing the case as “rarest of the rare,” argued that the victim, a 31-year-old doctor, was a meritorious individual and an asset to society.

The crime occurred on August 9, 2023, when the doctor was resting in a seminar room at the hospital. Roy was arrested the following day after CCTV footage and a Bluetooth device linked him to the crime.

The incident triggered nationwide outrage, with doctors and opposition parties demanding stringent punishment. Initially suspected to be a gang rape, the CBI later concluded Roy was solely responsible. The Supreme Court had earlier criticized the Kolkata Police for delays in registering the case, terming their response “extremely disturbing.” The initial investigation faced criticism for discrepancies and conflicting reports provided to the victim’s family.

Roy has denied the charges, claiming he was falsely implicated.