Sanjay Roy says "I was forced to sign statements" and tortured in custody during Sentence hearing

Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was convicted on January 18, for the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The conviction was pronounced by Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das, who found Roy guilty under Sections 64, 66, and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to rape and murder. The crime occurred on August 9, 2024, when the trainee doctor was found deceased in a seminar hall within the hospital premises. The incident led to widespread protests by medical professionals across India, demanding justice and enhanced security measures in public hospitals.

During the trial, Roy maintained his innocence, asserting that he was "falsely implicated" in the case. He claimed that he was coerced into signing several documents, including confessions, under duress. Roy alleged that the police forced him to write and sign statements that did not reflect his true actions. He also stated that no proper physical examination was conducted during his detention, despite initial claims from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) about taking him for medical tests.

The court's conviction was based on circumstantial evidence, including Roy's confessions, which were presented as key evidence against him. However, Roy's defense team has raised concerns about the legality of these confessions, alleging that they were obtained under duress. Following the conviction, Roy's legal team has indicated plans to appeal the verdict, disputing the charges and demanding a more thorough review of the case.

The sentencing for Roy will be announced today, at 2:45 PM. The court will determine whether he will receive a life sentence or the death penalty, as prescribed under the relevant sections of the BNS. The victim's family has expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation, suggesting that the crime could not have been committed by a single individual. They have called for a more comprehensive probe to identify all those responsible for the crime.