RG Kar Verdict: Accused Sanjay Roy Held Guilty

WE WANT DEATH PENALTY FOR THE CONVICT: TMC

- 

The Sealdah Court on Saturday convicted former civic volunteer Sanjay Roy under three sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for the August 9 rape and murder of an on-duty postgraduate trainee doctor (PGT) at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The verdict, delivered 162 days after the crime that ignited nationwide outrage and prolonged protests, affirmed the Kolkata Police's claims made shortly after the horrific incident. The in-camera trial, which began on November 12, saw 50 witnesses testify. The trial concluded on January 9. The charges against Roy were framed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on October 4.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had consistently emphasized that the harshest punishment should be imposed on those responsible for such crimes. In line with this stance, the Bengal Assembly unanimously passed the Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024, on September 3, 2024.

The Bill introduces three key measures—enhanced punishment, expedited investigations, and swift delivery of justice, specifically addressing cases of sexual assault under the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

"We have increased the quantum of punishment in cases of sexual assault," the Chief Minister had asserted in the Assembly.