RG Kar Rape-Murder Case: Leaders, Doctors Criticize Life Imprisonment Verdict For Convict

The Sealdah court’s decision to sentence Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College has sparked widespread criticism.

Leaders, medical professionals, and the victim’s family are demanding a death penalty for the heinous crime, which occurred on August 9, when the doctor’s body was discovered in a hospital seminar room.

The court also imposed a ₹50,000 fine on the convict. However, the verdict has left many dissatisfied, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who expressed her disappointment. Speaking from Malda, she stated, “We have always sought the death penalty for such crimes. If this case had been handled by Kolkata Police, we would have ensured the maximum punishment.”

She highlighted previous instances where swift investigations under Kolkata Police led to capital punishment in similar cases.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose underscored the need for broader systemic reforms to prevent such crimes. In a video statement, he remarked, “While the court’s verdict must be respected, punishment alone does not eliminate crime. The increasing instances of violence against women reflect a deeper societal issue, necessitating proactive measures to address these atrocities.”

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar called for a more thorough investigation, suggesting the possibility of others being involved in the crime. “The public does not believe that only one individual is responsible. The case should be probed further to uncover any accomplices,” he said.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury echoed similar sentiments, stating that the verdict fell short of public expectations.

Medical professionals have been at the forefront of protests against the verdict. Junior doctors demonstrated outside Sealdah court, demanding a harsher punishment. “Life imprisonment is not enough for such a crime. We will approach higher courts for justice,” said a protesting doctor.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) also voiced their displeasure. Vinay Aggarwal, Chairman of the IMA Action Committee, stressed that the entire medical fraternity is outraged. “This crime shocked the nation. Capital punishment is essential to send a strong message and ensure justice,” he stated.

Sarvesh Pandey, General Secretary of FORDA, described the verdict as “unacceptable” and confirmed that their legal team is reviewing the court’s decision.

The victim’s father expressed anguish over the investigation conducted by the CBI and Kolkata Police, accusing them of mishandling the case. “We don’t want compensation; we want justice for our daughter. The authorities have caused us immense pain,” he said.

This case has reignited calls for stringent measures to combat crimes against women, with many urging judicial and investigative reforms to ensure accountability and justice.

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