The Sealdah court will announce its verdict on January 18th regarding the 2024 RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, which triggered nationwide protests for justice. The victim’s father criticized the investigation, and junior doctors demanded severe punishment for the accused, Sanjoy Roy. Political reactions highlight concerns about accountability and investigative integrity as tensions remain high.
Kolkata: The Sealdah court is set to deliver its verdict on Saturday (Jan 18th) in the high-profile RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case that shook the nation in 2024. The case revolves around the tragic death of a 31-year-old junior doctor, whose body was found in the seminar room of the Kolkata-based hospital on August 9, 2024.
The incident sparked nationwide protests and demands for justice, with junior doctors and the victim’s family at the forefront, seeking the strictest punishment for the accused.
The victim’s father, determined to secure justice for his daughter, expressed his resilience:
“We will not beg but we will fight, and if required, snatch justice.”
Read Also: Supreme Court Grants Notional Promotion to Three Officers in Jharkhand Judicial Service
He criticized the initial investigation, claiming,
“For five months, there has been no proper investigation. The investigation was only for the first three days and then nothing happened.”
The father added that while the family did not request a CBI investigation, the court ordered it to ensure transparency.
Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested a day after the crime and charged with rape and murder. The trial, which began on November 11, 2024, concluded within 59 days. Charges against Roy were framed on December 4, 2024.
Junior doctors have demanded capital punishment for Roy, while raising unanswered questions about the case.
“Is it possible to commit the crime alone? Why was evidence tampered with? Who spread the rumour of suicide?”
asked junior doctor Debasish Haldar.
Criticism has also been directed at the investigation conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Haldar alleged,
“We wanted to keep faith in the CBI, but… they did not frame a chargesheet against those whom they had arrested for tampering with evidence. Either they are incompetent or someone very powerful is behind this.”
The CBI arrested two individuals, Tala police station officer-in-charge Abhijit Mandal and former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh, for allegedly destroying evidence and covering up the case. However, both were granted bail by the Sealdah court in December 2024 after the CBI failed to submit a chargesheet within the stipulated 90 days.
The case has drawn sharp political reactions.
- TMC’s Joy Prakash Majumdar claimed the incident vindicated West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s stance, stating,
“The protest had two main agendas: one asking for the highest punishment, supported by Mamata Banerjee and the state government, but the second was politically motivated.” - BJP’s Agnimitra Paul alleged the involvement of “powerful people,” saying,
“It is not possible for one person to commit this crime alone. The CBI must deliver justice, and we want capital punishment for such a heinous crime.” - CPI(M)’s Sujan Chakraborty criticized both the state and central administrations, remarking,
“Neither has taken any initiative regarding justice for Abhaya. It is clear that the ruling party is trying to cover up something.” - Congress leader Soumya Aich highlighted the inconsistencies in the case, particularly the CBI’s failure to file chargesheets against key individuals.
As the verdict approaches, the victim’s family and junior doctors continue to demand accountability from all involved parties, stressing that justice will remain incomplete unless everyone implicated is brought to book.
The victim’s father has vowed to continue the fight if necessary, reiterating,
“Sanjoy is a criminal. He will be punished, and whatever the court feels, that punishment will be given to him.”
The outcome of this case is not just about delivering justice to the victim but also about restoring public faith in the system amid allegations of political interference and investigative lapses.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE