Indian Court Convicts Police Volunteer in Dr. Trainee Murder Case, Prompts Nationwide Protests

INIndia|

A police volunteer was found guilty of the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata, India. The verdict comes after a fast-tracked trial sparked by widespread protests demanding justice for women following the incident. Sanjay Roy, 33, was arrested shortly after the crime, which occurred on August 9, 2023, when the victim's body was discovered in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. An autopsy revealed she had been strangled and sexually assaulted.

Judge Anirban Das stated that the sentencing for Roy would occur on Monday, with possible penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty. Initially investigated by local police, the case was handed over to federal authorities due to alleged mishandling by state officers.

The murder ignited significant unrest, with doctors and medical students staging protests in several cities and thousands of women participating in "Reclaim the Night" marches. Activists have emphasized the need for improved security measures in hospitals and have called for harsher penalties for sexual violence offenders. In response, India’s Supreme Court established a national task force to address safety protocols.

Despite increasing awareness and legislative changes aimed at curbing violence against women, many cases go unreported due to societal stigma and a lack of trust in law enforcement. The National Crime Records Bureau reported a 20% rise in recorded rape cases in 2022, highlighting an ongoing crisis in addressing gender-based violence in India.

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