Indian Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Rape and Murder of Doctor

Er Mukesh Singh

A court in India has sentenced Sanjoy Roy, a hospital volunteer, to life in prison for the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata, a crime that has caused nationwide outrage. The verdict, delivered over the weekend, sparked strong reactions from both the victim’s family and the public. While the family had called for the death penalty, the judge rejected this request, instead ruling that Roy would spend the rest of his life in prison.

Roy has consistently maintained his innocence and is expected to appeal the decision in a higher court. The victim’s father expressed deep disappointment with the life sentence, saying they would not stop fighting for justice. “We will continue our fight, and won’t let investigations stop,” he vowed. As is customary in India, the identities of the victim and her family remain confidential due to laws protecting victims of sexual violence.

The tragic incident occurred last August at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, where the 31-year-old doctor had worked a night shift. Afterward, she had taken a rest in the seminar hall. Her half-naked body was discovered the next morning near a podium by a colleague, severely injured and showing signs of a struggle. The case sparked protests and brought attention to the safety of healthcare workers, especially women, in India.

According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which handled the case, Roy, intoxicated at the time, found the doctor sleeping alone and attacked her. The autopsy report confirmed that the woman was strangled, and her body bore injuries indicating that she fought back against her attacker.

Roy was arrested the day after the crime, but he has denied all accusations. Following the incident, doctors in Kolkata went on strike, demanding swift and decisive action against those responsible for the attack, including accusations of officials delaying the investigation. The case has also prompted broader discussions on the safety of medical professionals in India, particularly women in vulnerable positions.

Courtesy: The Indian Express

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