Kolkata rape-murder convict Sanjay Roy stood before the court on Monday, pleading his innocence even as the CBI sought his death penalty. Roy, was convicted on Saturday for the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9th, 2024.
Roy’s last final plea before the Judge was, "I have been framed without any reason. I told you before that I always wear a Rudraksha chain. If I had committed the crime, it would have broken at the crime scene. I was not allowed to speak. They forced me to sign many papers. I was not given a chance to speak. You have seen all of this, sir. I told you before as well."
The judge response was "I gave you almost half a day to speak to me. I listened to you for three hours. All the charges, evidence, documents, and witnesses presented before me have been examined, and based on these, I found you guilty. You have already been proven guilty. Now, I just wanted to hear your thoughts about the punishment. Who is there in your family? Do they stay in touch with you?"
Roy replied, "No, sir. I am in jail. They never visit me."
The CBI lawyer argued forcefully for the death penalty, calling it the rarest of rare cases. "This is a rarest-of-the-rare case," the lawyer asserted. "The victim was a meritorious student and an asset to society. This incident has shaken the entire community. The parents have lost their daughter. If even doctors are not safe, then what can be said? Only the death penalty can restore confidence in society. We must restore society's faith in the justice system."
Judge Anirban Das is expected to announce the quantum of punishment soon. The CBI court has charged Sanjay Roy with rape, causing death, and murder. The minimum punishment under these sections includes rigorous imprisonment for not less than 10 years, which may extend to life imprisonment. The maximum punishment is the death penalty.
The Crime which Shook the Nation
The body of the postgraduate trainee doctor was discovered in a seminar hall at the hospital in the early hours of August 9th, 2024. She was raped and murdered. The accused Sanjay Roy was arrested the following day in connection with the crime.
Police identified Roy through a earphone found near the victim's body. CCTV footage showed Roy entering the seminar hall with the device around his neck.
This horrific incident sparked nationwide protests and outrage, with thousands demanding justice for the victim. The case raised concerns about the safety of women, particularly those working in healthcare, and in this situation it calls stricter laws and swifter justice.
The nation waits for the outcome and verdict of this case which will determine Sanjay Roy's fate.
