Kolkata doctor rape and murder case: Court sentences Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment

In a landmark judgment, a Kolkata sessions court has sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a postgraduate doctor from R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Additional District and Sessions Judge of Sealdah, Anirban Das, stated that the case did not meet the criteria for the "rarest of the rare" category, which could have warranted the death penalty. Along with the life sentence, the court imposed a ₹50,000 fine on Roy and directed that ₹17 lakh in compensation be awarded to the victim's family.

The judgment, delivered on January 20, 2025, has stirred controversy. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict. “I am not satisfied with the judgment,” she stated, while opposition parties called for a review of the decision.

Reaction from Victim's Family

The victim’s parents voiced their disappointment with the ruling, asserting that justice had not been fully served. “How is this not the rarest of rare cases? An on-duty doctor was raped and murdered. We are dismayed,” said the victim’s mother. The family also alleged that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to conduct a thorough investigation, leaving other potential culprits unpunished.

The parents announced their intention to appeal the verdict in a higher court, claiming the crime was part of a larger conspiracy.

Political Backlash

The BJP criticized the life imprisonment sentence as a "travesty of justice." Amit Malviya, the party's IT cell head and organizational co-incharge for West Bengal, called for an appeal against the judgment. In a statement on social media, he accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the then Kolkata Police Commissioner of shielding the convict and destroying evidence.

“Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done,” Malviya remarked, urging probe agencies to investigate alleged lapses in the case.

Case Background

Sanjay Roy, a former civic police volunteer, was convicted on January 18, 2025, for the brutal rape and murder of the 27-year-old doctor on August 9, 2024. The crime, which occurred within the hospital premises, sent shockwaves through the medical community and sparked widespread protests demanding justice.

The court's decision has raised significant questions about the definition of the “rarest of the rare” and whether the case was treated with the seriousness it deserved. While the live coverage of the case is now closed, the debate over justice for the victim continues.

Next Steps

The victim’s family has vowed to continue their fight until justice is delivered. “We will not rest until every person responsible for this crime is held accountable,” the father said.

This tragic case serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by healthcare workers and the urgent need for stricter measures to ensure their safety.