Verdict on RG Kar murder-rape case set for 18th January

The final verdict in the rape and murder case of Abhaya, a young doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, is scheduled to be delivered on January 18th, 2025, by the Shyambazar Court. The judgment will be announced at 2:30 PM, concluding the trial process that began on November 11th, 2024. Abhaya's tragic death on August 9th, 2024, has caused a significant public outcry, raising questions about safety in medical institutions and the adequacy of the initial investigation.

The primary accused in the case, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, has been charged with the rape and murder of Abhaya. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case after local investigations and has filed a petition seeking the death penalty for Roy. The CBI's investigation suggests that Roy was the sole perpetrator, though it has faced challenges from various quarters questioning the sufficiency of the inquiry. The verdict on January 18th will determine whether Roy is convicted and whether the court will grant the death penalty.

Throughout the investigation, there have been disputes over the sufficiency of the evidence and the possibility that others may have been involved. Junior doctors, particularly those associated with protests following the incident, have repeatedly stated that the crime could not have been committed by one person alone. Asfakulla Naya, a key figure in the protests, highlighted that multiple forensic reports support this view, suggesting that the crime scene may have been tampered with or misidentified. In addition, they have questioned whether the seminar room, initially thought to be the crime scene, was truly the location of the attack.

The Multi-Institutional Medical Board, consisting of forensic experts from Delhi AIIMS, has provided an interim report that concludes the injuries sustained by Abhaya could have been inflicted by a single individual. This report was based on forensic evidence gathered from the victim’s body and other materials associated with the case. The board noted that this finding could be further examined with additional reports, and it continues to be a subject of debate among junior doctors and other stakeholders.

Abhaya’s parents have separately petitioned for the maximum punishment for the accused, expressing concern that others at the hospital may have been involved in the crime. They have stated that justice can only be achieved when all those responsible, whether directly or indirectly, are held accountable. The court’s decision, which will be issued on January 18th, will address these concerns and clarify the legal standing of the case. It will also provide closure to a case that has brought the issue of safety in medical institutions to the forefront.