A civic volunteer has been apprehended in connection with the rape and murder of a postgraduate medical student at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The victim was found dead in a seminar hall at the facility.
The accused, identified as Sanjoy Roy, was linked to the crime through several pieces of evidence, including a Bluetooth headphone left at the scene and CCTV footage. Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal confirmed that signs of sexual assault were evident, according to the post-mortem report. Despite multiple inquiries, Goyal did not disclose Roy’s occupation, stating that the focus should be on the severity of the crime rather than the accused’s profession.
The police have gathered additional physical evidence from the crime scene. A special investigation team (SIT) and a forensics team have been assembled to probe the case. This team is led by the Deputy Commissioner of the Detective Department and is overseen by an Additional Commissioner of Police.
In response to the incident, students at the hospital have expressed concerns over their safety, leading to demonstrations by BJP activists. The BJP has criticized the current police investigation and called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to ensure justice. Conversely, the ruling Trinamool Congress has urged against politicizing the issue and supported calls for expedited trials in severe cases.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee labeled the incident as “unfortunate and despicable,” expressing support for the victim’s family and committing to a fast-track court process. Although she typically opposes capital punishment, Banerjee stated that the accused would face the strictest possible penalty. She also expressed openness to a central agency investigation, affirming that her administration has “nothing to hide.”