West Bengal CM Criticizes Life Sentence, Advocates for Death Penalty, and Highlights Delays in Investigation
Malda (West Bengal), January 20: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her dissatisfaction with the life imprisonment verdict in the RG Kar hospital rape-murder case, asserting that if the case had remained under Kolkata Police jurisdiction, a death penalty would have been ensured.
Addressing the media in Malda, Banerjee stated, “We have always demanded capital punishment and continue to stand by it. This was a serious case, and had it been under Kolkata Police, the death penalty would have been secured much earlier. However, this is the court’s decision.”
Criticism of CBI’s Investigation
Banerjee questioned the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) handling of the case, citing delays in filing charges and initiating the trial. She noted that the CBI took over the investigation on August 14, 2024, yet it filed a chargesheet only on October 7, despite the Kolkata Police already arresting the accused, Sanjay Roy, within 24 hours of the crime.
“Even after the chargesheet, the trial began on November 11 and concluded on January 9, 2025. This prolonged process under the CBI shook public confidence,” Banerjee said, contrasting it with the swift justice delivered in other cases investigated by Kolkata Police, such as those in Joynagar and Hooghly, where death penalties were secured within 60 days.
Political Allegations and Legislative Push
The Chief Minister also accused opposition parties BJP and CPI(M) of exploiting the incident for political gain, spreading “malicious misinformation” and misleading the public. She emphasized that while the state government introduced the Aparajita Bill to ensure stricter punishment for crimes against women, the BJP had not supported its clearance.
“We acted immediately after this heinous crime by implementing security measures in hospitals and passing reforms to protect women,” Banerjee added.
Court Verdict and Case Details
The Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court sentenced Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹50,000. The case involved the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, whose body was found on August 9, 2024, in the seminar room of RG Kar Medical College.
Banerjee concluded by highlighting the state police’s efficiency, saying, “The Kolkata Police’s quick actions show their dedication, unlike the delays caused after the case was transferred to the CBI.”
Tags:
RG Kar Medical College case, Mamata Banerjee, CBI investigation, Sanjay Roy verdict, Kolkata Police efficiency, West Bengal crime, Aparajita Bill, hospital safety measures
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#RGKarCase #MamataBanerjee #CBIInvestigation #WestBengalCrime #HospitalSafety #AparajitaBill #JusticeForVictims