Indian Police Volunteer Sentenced to Life for Trainee Doctor's Rape and Murder

INIndia|

A Kolkata court has sentenced Sanjay Roy, an Indian police volunteer, to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a junior doctor. The crime, which occurred at the RG Kar medical college and hospital, led to nationwide protests and hospital strikes last year. The victim's body was discovered on August 9, sparking outrage among medical professionals demanding justice and improved security.

Judge Anirban Das sentenced Roy on January 20, rejecting calls for the death penalty, stating that the case did not meet the criteria of a "rarest-of-rare" crime. Roy maintained his innocence throughout the trial, which featured 128 witnesses with 51 testifying in the accelerated court proceedings that began in November.

The victim’s parents expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation and alleged that more individuals were involved in the crime. Their lawyer has called for justice against those they claim participated in a “larger conspiracy.” Moreover, police have charged local police officers with obstructing justice by tampering with evidence at the crime scene.

The case has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding violence against women in India and has galvanized the medical community into action for reform.

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