Sanjay Roy, a 33-year-old former civic police volunteer, was found guilty by a local court in Kolkata of the horrific rape and murder of a trainee physician at the state-run RG Kar hospital. The horrific event that rocked the country last year will come to an end when he is sentenced on Monday.
When the 31-year-old doctor Abhaya, who had been on duty on the evening of August 8, was discovered dead the next morning, it sparked a large investigation and protests that paralysed Bengal. The Additional District and Sessions Court in Sealdah found Roy guilty today in a 160-page ruling under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’s sections on rape, murder, and causing death.
“I have criticised certain actions taken by the hospital and police that were shown by the evidence.” Judge Anirban Das stated, “The actions of the HoD, MSVP, and Principal caused some confusion, which has been criticised.”
The victim’s father sobbed in front of the judge following the verdict, saying, “You have honoured the faith that I reposed in you.” As his solicitors attempted to reassure him, Roy reiterated his accusation that he was being set up while being taken to the packed courtroom on Saturday afternoon under strict security.
The court stated that it will hear arguments over the penalties he would face on Monday. The convicted person’s first confession to the crime is in conflict with his subsequent claim of innocence.
He was also found guilty by the CBI, which had taken over the investigation from the Kolkata Police due to worries about evidence destruction. For thousands of doctors throughout India, who have been calling for a more secure workplace and improved facilities, the conviction gives them hope.