RG Kar Murder and Rape Case: Convict Gets Life Sentence, Judge Says Not ‘Rarest of Rare’ for Death Penalty

“Kolkata court awards life imprisonment to Sanjay Roy in the RG Kar Medical College doctor’s rape-murder case; victim’s parents reject compensation demand justice.”

January 20, 2025: A Kolkata court has sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment in the rape and murder case of a 34-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The verdict, delivered by Justice Anirban Das, ruled that the case did not qualify as a ‘rarest of the rare’ category warranting the death penalty.

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Justice Das also directed the West Bengal government to pay ₹17 lakh to the victim’s parents. However, the victim’s family, present in court, declined the compensation, stating they only sought justice. The judge clarified that the compensation was mandated by law and could be used at the family’s discretion.

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The convict, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer associated with the hospital, was charged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertaining to rape and murder. Addressing the court during sentencing, Roy maintained his innocence, claiming he had been framed. Justice Das responded, “I decide on the basis of the evidence before me. The charges have been proved.”

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The CBI, which took over the case from Kolkata Police, had sought the death penalty for Roy, labeling the incident as a ‘rarest of rare’ crime. The defense referred to Supreme Court guidelines on capital punishment, prompting the judge to review the criteria before delivering the sentence.

The court premises were heavily secured as protests erupted following the verdict. Doctors and activists gathered outside, voicing concerns about safety in workplaces and alleging that Roy could not have acted alone. The victim’s parents echoed these sentiments, expressing dissatisfaction with the investigation. “Other perpetrators involved in the crime have not been brought to justice,” said the victim’s mother.

The incident, which occurred during the victim’s night shift at the hospital, sparked nationwide outrage, leading to protests by medical professionals demanding enhanced workplace safety.

Tags:
RG Kar Medical College case, Sanjay Roy life sentence, Kolkata court verdict, medical workplace safety, CBI investigation, West Bengal crime, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, rape and murder case, victim compensation India, hospital safety protests.