West Bengal Government Joins Push for Capital Punishment; Victim’s Family Rejects Compensation and Vows to Appeal
Kolkata, January 22: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is set to file an application in the Calcutta High Court seeking the death penalty for Sanjay Roy, convicted in the RG Kar rape and murder case. Sources suggest the plea will be submitted within the next two days, with the next hearing scheduled for January 27.
Earlier today, the West Bengal government also appealed against the Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court’s life imprisonment verdict, calling for capital punishment. Advocate General Kishore Dutta approached a division bench led by Justice Debangshu Basak, seeking permission to file the application, which was granted.
State and Victim’s Family Demand Capital Punishment
The trial court had sentenced Roy to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹50,000. However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her dissatisfaction with the verdict.
Speaking to media in Malda, Banerjee said, “We have always demanded capital punishment and continue to stand by it. If the Kolkata police had handled this case, they would have ensured a death penalty within 54-60 days. This was a serious case, and we believe the punishment should reflect that severity.”
Adding to the calls for harsher punishment, the victim’s father rejected the ₹17 lakh compensation offered by the government. He announced his intention to appeal the verdict in a higher court, seeking justice for his daughter.
Opposition Joins the Fight for Justice
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari extended his support to the victim’s family, pledging to back their legal battle. After meeting with the family, Adhikari stated, “I have stood with the family since day one. We support their decision to reject the compensation and fight for a more fitting punishment in the higher courts.”
Background on the Case
The RG Kar rape and murder case involved the brutal assault and killing of a trainee doctor, whose body was discovered in a seminar room on August 9, 2024. The case drew widespread outrage and protests demanding justice.
Despite the Sealdah Court’s life sentence for Roy, both the state government and the CBI argue that the punishment should be harsher to serve as a deterrent.
Tags: CBI death penalty, RG Kar case, Sanjay Roy, Kolkata High Court, West Bengal government, Mamata Banerjee, Suvendu Adhikari, victim justice, life imprisonment appeal
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