The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the case from the Kolkata Police following a Calcutta High Court directive, has sought the death penalty for Sanjay Roy, the accused in the brutal crime. The incident has ignited widespread discussions about the safety of women and medical professionals in India, leading to protests both within the country and internationally.
Kolkata: The verdict in the rape and murder case of an on-duty doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which occurred in August last year, is set to be delivered on January 18 by the designated judge of the Sealdah court, according to a PTI report.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the case from the Kolkata Police following a Calcutta High Court directive, has sought the death penalty for Sanjay Roy, the accused in the brutal crime. The incident has ignited widespread discussions about the safety of women and medical professionals in India, leading to protests both within the country and internationally.
The trial concluded on January 9, and the additional district and sessions judge of the Sealdah court confirmed the judgment date as January 18. The victim’s parents, who believe more individuals were involved, have called for the arrest and prosecution of those they allege are also responsible.
In December last year, the victim’s parents approached the Calcutta High Court, requesting a fresh investigation into the case and urging the court to expedite the probe. Their counsel informed the court that they lacked confidence in the ongoing investigation led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
On Thursday, CBI counsel Partho Sarathi Dutta stated, “The CBI has sought the maximum punishment… The investigation is ongoing.” Meanwhile, the victim’s father expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation, emphasizing the need for a further probe and reiterating their demand for the maximum punishment.
The victim’s mother criticized the pace of the investigation, stating, “What the police accomplished in five days, the CBI has taken five months to do.”
She added, “We are not satisfied with the investigation. We believe Sanjoy Roy is guilty, but he could not have acted alone in committing such a crime in a 24×7 hospital. We will only feel justice is served when everyone involved is punished. We never sought a CBI probe; it was the court’s decision to transfer the case to them.”
The CBI arrested two individuals on September 14 for allegedly tampering with evidence and attempting to cover up the case. Mondal was accused of delaying the filing of the FIR and was released on bail, while Ghosh, accused of evidence tampering, remains in judicial custody in connection with another case involving financial irregularities at RG Kar Hospital.
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Case Background
The case involves the rape and murder of a 31-year-old female postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. Her body was discovered in a seminar room on the campus. A 33-year-old male civic volunteer was arrested by the Kolkata Police on August 10, the day after the incident, on suspicion of committing the crime.
Subsequently, on August 13, the Calcutta High Court transferred the case to the CBI, citing a lack of faith in the investigation conducted by the city police. The incident prompted a 42-day strike by junior doctors across West Bengal, demanding a comprehensive investigation and improved campus security.
