Sanjay Roy Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in RG Kar Case

The RG Kar rape and murder case has reached a significant milestone as the Sealdah sessions court in Kolkata sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment on January 20, 2025. This decision follows his conviction for the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old on-duty doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which occurred on August 9, 2024. The court found Roy guilty under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 64 (rape), 66 (causing death), and 103(1) (murder) .

During the sentencing hearing, the prosecution argued for the death penalty, labeling the crime as falling into the "rarest of rare" category. However, the court ultimately decided on life imprisonment, stating that the case did not meet the criteria for capital punishment. Judge Anirban Das emphasized that while Roy's actions were heinous, they did not constitute the "rarest of rare" circumstances required for a death sentence

Key Details from the Hearing:

Conviction: Sanjay Roy was convicted based on DNA evidence linking him to the crime scene and testimonies from various witnesses .
Legal Framework: The BNS outlines specific penalties for the charges against Roy:
- Section 64: Minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment for rape.
- Section 66: Minimum of 20 years to life imprisonment for causing death or severe injury to a rape victim.
- Section 103(1): Allows for either life imprisonment or the death penalty for murder .

Public Reaction:

The case has sparked widespread outrage and protests from social activists and medical professionals, highlighting concerns about safety in hospitals and the treatment of women in medical fields. The tragic incident has prompted discussions about systemic issues within healthcare institutions regarding safety measures for staff .

Next Steps:

Following this verdict, there are ongoing discussions about improving security protocols in hospitals across West Bengal to prevent such incidents in the future. The case remains a focal point for advocates pushing for reforms in both legal and healthcare systems

What were the key arguments presented by Sanjay Roy's defense team?

Sanjay Roy's defense team presented several key arguments during the trial for the RG Kar rape and murder case:

Claims of Innocence: Roy maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, asserting that he was being falsely accused and framed for the crime. He claimed to have been tortured while in custody, alleging that he was coerced into signing documents against his will.
Challenge to Evidence: The defense argued that the prosecution's evidence was insufficient. They contended that the circumstances of the crime, as described by witnesses, would have made it impossible for such an act to go unnoticed in a hospital setting. They emphasized that there were gaps in the investigation, including the failure to collect swabs from bite marks on the victim's neck.
Request for Reformative Sentencing: The defense lawyer highlighted the reformative aspect of the Indian legal system, arguing that Roy should be given an alternative punishment rather than a death sentence. They suggested that there was a possibility for reform and rehabilitation, which should be considered in sentencing.
Questioning Investigation Integrity: Roy's defense raised concerns about the investigation process itself, suggesting that not all potential evidence had been thoroughly examined and that other individuals may have been involved in the crime. This included claims about an IPS officer's involvement, which they argued warranted further investigation.
Demand for Evidence of Irreformability: The defense insisted that the prosecution needed to provide concrete evidence proving that Roy could not be reformed, which is a critical consideration in sentencing decisions under Indian law.

These arguments were part of a broader strategy to challenge both the validity of the charges against Roy and the integrity of the investigative process.

With inputs from agencies

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