Police Volunteer Found Guilty of Rape and Murder of Trainee Doctor in Kolkata

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In a landmark ruling, a police volunteer, Sanjay Roy, has been found guilty of the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata. The shocking crime, which occurred in August, ignited widespread protests and raised significant concerns regarding women's safety across India.

Judge Anirban Das oversaw the case and announced that sentencing for Roy, 33, will take place on Monday. The potential penalties range from life imprisonment to the death penalty. The victim's body was discovered in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, prompting further outrage. An autopsy revealed that she had been strangled and sexually assaulted.

Roy was arrested shortly after the incident, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial. Initially, the investigation was handled by the Kolkata police, but it was later transferred to federal authorities amid accusations of mishandling by local officers.

The brutal attack led to mass protests and calls for justice from medical professionals and women’s rights activists, who demanded enhanced security in hospitals. Demonstrations, including the Reclaim the Night marches, saw thousands of participants advocating for immediate reforms and harsher penalties for crimes against women.

The increasing number of reported cases of sexual violence in India has become a pressing social issue, with a significant rise in rape cases documented by the National Crime Records Bureau. The reaction to this particular incident has once again highlighted the challenges facing women in India, where societal stigma and fears of retribution often prevent victims from coming forward.

Following the outcry, the Supreme Court of India has established a national taskforce to improve safety measures in government hospitals.

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