Indian Court Sentences Man to Life for Rape and Murder of Trainee Doctor

Kolkata, 20 January – An Indian court has sentenced Sanjay Roy, a police volunteer, to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024. The victim’s body was discovered in a classroom, sparking nationwide protests and calls for improved security for women in public hospitals.

Roy was convicted based on circumstantial evidence, though he denied the charges. Judge Anirban Das ruled out the death penalty, stating the crime did not meet the “rarest of rare” standard. However, the victim’s parents criticised the investigation, alleging others were involved, and an appeal against the verdict is expected.

The case has reignited concerns over women’s safety in India, drawing comparisons to the 2012 New Delhi gang rape, which led to stricter anti-rape laws and fast-track courts. Despite these reforms, crimes against women continue to rise, with a 20% increase in reported rapes in 2022. Activists and medical professionals are urging immediate action to address systemic issues and ensure justice.