Kolkata:
Sanjay Roy, convicted in the horrific rape and murder case of a 34-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, once again pleaded his innocence in court today, claiming he was framed in the case that sent shockwaves across the country.
The court, led by Judge Anirban Das, is set to pronounce Roy’s sentence later today. On Saturday, the court found Roy guilty and stated that the punishment would range from life imprisonment to the death penalty. Before issuing the verdict, the judge gave Roy an opportunity to speak.
“I am innocent. I haven’t done this. I’ve been framed,” Roy told the court. “So many things were destroyed. If I had committed the crime, my rudraksha mala would have been broken too. You must decide if I am truly guilty or not.”
The judge, maintaining a firm tone, responded, “Justice is based on evidence, not assumptions. I have reviewed all the evidence and heard you and your lawyer’s arguments extensively. The charges have been proven against you. Now, I need to know your thoughts on the punishment before delivering the sentence.”
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the case from Kolkata Police, is pushing for the death penalty, describing the case as a “rarest of rare” crime. The prosecution and the victim’s family echoed this demand, emphasizing the heinous nature of the crime.
Roy’s lawyer countered by citing Supreme Court guidelines regarding the death penalty and requested the court to consider them carefully before making a decision. Judge Das instructed the counsel to provide a detailed list of these guidelines for review before reconvening at 2:45 pm to deliver the verdict.
The court premises at Sealdah have been heavily secured, with police ensuring strict measures to prevent any disruptions after the sentencing. Despite not receiving permission for a demonstration, doctors and activists have gathered near the court, demanding justice for the victim.
Protesters allege that Roy could not have acted alone and claim other culprits remain at large. “This crime was not the work of one individual. The CBI has failed to bring others involved to justice,” said a protesting doctor.
The victim’s parents have also expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI’s investigation. “Our daughter’s life was brutally taken, and the investigation feels incomplete. There were others involved, and they cannot be allowed to escape justice. Such criminals have no place in society,” her mother said.
The 34-year-old doctor, a postgraduate trainee, was on duty during a night shift when the crime occurred. Her body was discovered the following morning in the hospital’s seminar room. The case sparked a nationwide outcry, with doctors across the country halting work and demanding greater security at workplaces to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The court’s impending decision will likely set a significant precedent in addressing workplace safety and ensuring justice for heinous crimes.