A Kolkata court will deliver the verdict today in the shocking rape and murder case of a 31-year-old trainee doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Judge Anirban Das of Sealdah Court is set to announce the judgment at 2 PM.
The Crime That Sparked Outrage
The incident occurred on August 9 last year. Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, was accused of raping and murdering the doctor in the hospital’s seminar hall. Her semi-naked body was found on the third floor of the hospital, sparking immediate protests across West Bengal.
Investigation Shifts to CBI
Initially, Kolkata Police handled the case. However, the Calcutta High Court later transferred it to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI filed a chargesheet naming Sanjoy Roy as the sole accused.
Meanwhile, the CBI also arrested former principal Sandip Ghosh and local police officer Abhijit Mondal. They faced accusations of tampering with evidence. However, they secured default bail after the CBI failed to file a supplementary chargesheet within 90 days.
Closed-Door Trial and Witness Testimonies
The trial against Sanjoy Roy began on November 11. The court conducted proceedings in-camera, maintaining confidentiality. Statements from 50 witnesses, including the victim’s parents, forensic experts, and the victim’s colleagues, were recorded.
Protests and Government Criticism
The case led to widespread protests. Women’s rights groups demanded justice, criticizing the Mamata Banerjee-led government. The uproar forced the government to transfer the Kolkata Police Commissioner and senior health officials.
Today’s verdict is highly anticipated. It symbolizes the fight against gender-based violence and justice for the victim.
