North News
Kolkata, January 18
A 33-year-old civic police volunteer, Sanjay Roy, was sentenced to life imprisonment till natural death on Monday for the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital. The CBI has sought the death sentence for the accused, describing the case as one of the “rarest of the rare.” The CBI said that the victim was a meritorious student and an asset to society. The accused, however, denied the charges, claiming he was falsely framed without any justification. The court also awarded 17 lakh compensation for the victim’s family.
The Additional District and Sessions Court in Sealdah found Roy guilty under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to rape, murder, and causing death. The crime occurred on August 9 when the 31-year-old 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 sparked nationwide outrage, with doctors and opposition parties demanding severe punishment. Initially believed to be a gang rape, the CBI later concluded Roy was solely responsible for the crime. The Supreme Court had earlier criticized the delay in registering the case, calling the Kolkata Police’s response “extremely disturbing.” Discrepancies in the investigation, including conflicting reports to the victim’s family, further fueled criticism.
