Kolkata, India — A police volunteer, Sanjay Roy, was convicted on January 18 for the rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The crime, which occurred in August 2024, sparked nationwide outrage over women’s safety and security in public hospitals.
The victim’s body was discovered in a hospital classroom on August 9. In the aftermath, her colleagues staged weeks-long strikes, demanding swift justice and improved safety measures.
Despite proclaiming his innocence in court, Roy was found guilty based on circumstantial evidence. Judge Anirban Das announced the verdict, stating that sentencing, which could range from life imprisonment to the death penalty, will be delivered on January 20. Roy’s lawyers, who have claimed inconsistencies in the investigation, were unavailable for comment.
The victim’s parents expressed doubts about the investigation, believing more individuals were involved in the crime. “Our daughter could not have met such a horrific end by a single man,” her father said, vowing to seek full accountability.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which handled the case, described the incident as a “rarest of rare” crime and has requested the death penalty for Roy.
Protests outside the court, led by junior doctors and supported by several medical professionals, continued with demands for justice. Dr. Aniket Mahato, a spokesperson for the group, confirmed plans for further demonstrations until the culprits are fully punished.
In a related development, a police officer and a hospital official were charged with tampering with evidence and destroying the crime scene. The officer is out on bail, while the hospital official remains detained in connection with a separate financial misconduct case.
The trial, fast-tracked from its commencement on November 11, included testimonies from 51 of 128 witnesses and concluded swiftly, as national attention heightened scrutiny over women’s safety and institutional accountability.
Police ensured heightened security with over 200 personnel deployed for the court proceedings.
