Kolkata (West Bengal) [India]: A silent rally was held in Kolkata from College Square to Shyambazar by doctors and the Citizen Forum to protest against the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case. The rally was organized on the victim’s birthday, with both junior and senior doctors participating in the demonstration.
The protest comes after the Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment on January 20 for his role in the rape and murder. The court also imposed a ₹50,000 fine on the accused.
Court Verdict and Appeals for Capital Punishment
During the trial, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) pushed for capital punishment for Sanjay Roy. While delivering the sentence, the court reminded Roy of the charges proven against him.
Despite his conviction, Roy maintained his innocence, stating:
“I have not done anything, neither rape nor murder. I am being falsely implicated. You have seen everything. I am innocent. I already told you that I was tortured. They made me sign whatever they wanted.”
Roy’s lawyer argued that even in “rarest of rare” cases, there should be room for reformation and rehabilitation.
“The court has to show why the convict is not worth reformation or rehabilitation. The prosecution must present evidence justifying why the convict should be eliminated from society,” the defense lawyer stated.
However, the victim’s family and their lawyer demanded the death penalty, with the victim’s father vowing to continue their fight in both courts and on the streets.
“We have full faith in the judge, but our fight will continue in the courts and on the streets,” he told ANI.
Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Verdict, Calls for Death Penalty
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s decision to award life imprisonment instead of the death penalty. She argued that if Kolkata Police had handled the case, they would have ensured the maximum punishment.
“We have always demanded capital punishment and continue to stand by it. However, this is the court’s decision, and I can’t interfere. In three other cases, Kolkata Police ensured capital punishment within 54-60 days. Had this case been under our purview, we would have ensured the death penalty long ago,” Banerjee stated during a media address in Malda.
The case continues to spark public outrage, with calls for stricter legal action and justice for the victim.