In a significant legal development, Judge Anirban Das of the CBI special court in Sealdah sentenced Sanjay Roy, a former Kolkata Police civic volunteer, to life imprisonment on Monday. Roy was convicted for the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2023.
The court had found Roy guilty of charges under Sections 64 (punishment for rape), 66 (punishment for causing death), and 103 (punishment for murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Judge Das noted that the evidence provided by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which had taken over the investigation on the orders of the Calcutta High Court, was compelling enough to establish Roy’s guilt.
The Sentencing Process
The sentencing took place in courtroom number 210, where Judge Das addressed the court. Prior to the verdict, Roy had denied the charges, claiming he was framed. On Monday, when he was brought before the court at approximately 12:36 pm, Roy maintained his innocence. However, the prosecution, represented by the CBI, argued for the highest possible penalty, calling the crime “rarest of the rare.”
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“We pray for the highest penalty to maintain people’s faith in the judiciary,” the CBI’s counsel said in the court.
In contrast, Roy’s defense attorney argued against the death penalty, citing the possibility of the convict’s reformation. The defense suggested an alternative punishment to allow for Roy’s rehabilitation. The victim’s parents, represented by their lawyer, strongly advocated for the maximum penalty, emphasizing that Roy, entrusted with the security of the hospital as a civic volunteer, had violated the trust he was meant to uphold.
Courtroom Tensions And Public Outcry
As the court proceedings unfolded, tension rose outside the Sealdah court. Members of various medical communities, civil rights activists, and citizens gathered to protest, voicing their concerns about the justice system and demanding that others involved in the crime be held accountable. Some protesters expressed frustration that only Roy had been convicted, while those allegedly complicit in the crime remained unpunished.
“Roy’s involvement was never in doubt. But he could not have committed this gruesome crime alone. The others involved are still free and remain a threat to society,” said one protester.
Despite the heavy police presence and restrictions on gatherings near the court, the demonstrators raised slogans, demanding justice for the victim and for those involved in the cover-up to be identified and punished.
The victim’s parents, who were present at the court, expressed their faith in the judiciary. The victim’s father emphasized the desire for a death sentence for Roy and the identification of all those responsible for the crime. “We trust the judge and hope that others involved in this crime are brought to justice,” he said.
However, the victim’s mother expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation, accusing the CBI of failing to apprehend other perpetrators. “Only one person has been caught, but the CBI has not pursued the others involved. These criminals have no right to live,” she said.
Legal Context Of The Sentencing
Roy was convicted under Sections 64, 66, and 103(1) of the BNS. These sections stipulate severe punishments, including life imprisonment or the death penalty, for crimes like rape and murder. Under Section 64, the punishment for rape ranges from 10 years to life imprisonment. Section 66 calls for imprisonment of no less than 20 years or life imprisonment for causing death, while Section 103(1) permits the death penalty or life imprisonment for murder.
Roy was escorted under tight security, with multiple police vehicles and nearly 500 officers stationed around the court. The presence of media and members of the public outside the court reflected the high public interest in the case.
Roy’s family remained largely silent, with his sister commenting, “All evidence is against him. If he receives severe punishment, even the death penalty, what can we do?”
As the legal process continues, there is widespread demand for further investigation into the case. With many questioning whether justice has truly been served for the victim and whether the full scope of the crime.
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