A sessions court in Kolkata on Saturday convicted Sanjay Roy, prime accused in the rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The order was passed by Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das after concluding an in-camera trial for 57 days.
Soon after the court pronounced it’s verdict, Roy told the judge that he was being framed. The court responded by saying that it would hear Roy before deciding on the quantum of punishment.
The court will decide on the quantum of punishment on January 20.
The body of a 31-year-old resident doctor was recovered from a seminar hall of the State-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on the morning of August 9, 2024. Autopsy confirmed that she was raped and murdered.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage and protests with doctors in various parts of the country going on strike demanding stricter laws and policing to ensure the safety of medical professionals.
Kolkata Police arrested Roy, a civic volunteer with the city police on August 10, 2024.
On August 13, 2024, the Calcutta High Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the investigation, after expressing lack of satisfaction with the Kolkata Police.
In October last year, CBI filed a charge sheet against prime accused Roy.
The trial court in West Bengal framed criminal charges for rape and murder against Roy.
The trial started on November 12, 2024 and concluded on January 9. CBI sought death penalty for Roy.
CBI also arrested former RG Kar principal Sandeep Ghosh and police officer Abhijeet Mondal, accusing them of attempting to destroy evidence.
However, they were granted default bail since the CBI could not file a charge sheet against them within the stipulated 90-day deadline.
Dr. Ghosh remained behind bars in another case concerning alleged financial irregularities at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
On August 19, the Supreme Court took a suo motu case over the incident, to examine larger concerns of workplace safety for medical professionals, apart from concerns about the probe and trial in the RG Kar case.