Sealdah Court to deliver verdict tomorrow on rape and murder at RG Kar, CBI seeks death penalty

The Sealdah court in Kolkata is set to deliver its verdict on Saturday in the rape and murder case of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The 31-year-old victim was found dead in a seminar room at the hospital on August 9, 2024. The accused, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer working with the Kolkata Police, was arrested on August 10, 2024, and charged with the rape and murder of the doctor, who was a postgraduate trainee at the institution.

Following public outrage and widespread protests, the case was transferred from Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 13, 2024, by the Calcutta High Court. The CBI took over the investigation, which led to the formal framing of charges against Roy in December 2024. The trial, which commenced on November 11, 2024, has been conducted in camera, with 50 witnesses, including the victim's family, colleagues, forensic experts, and investigating officials, being examined during the proceedings. The court has scrutinized forensic evidence, witness testimony, and statements from investigators to piece together the circumstances surrounding the crime.

The investigation has been the subject of controversy, particularly concerning the actions of the Kolkata Police during the initial stages of the case. Allegations of evidence tampering and mishandling of the crime scene have been raised by the victim's family and medical professionals. In light of these concerns, the CBI arrested two individuals in connection with these allegations: Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar, and Abhijit Mondal, the officer-in-charge of Tala Police Station. Both were arrested on charges of destroying evidence and attempting to cover up the crime. However, they were granted bail in December 2024 after the CBI failed to file a supplementary charge sheet within 90 days of their arrest.

While the CBI identified Roy as the prime accused, the investigation has faced further scrutiny over the possibility of other individuals being involved in the crime. The victim's family, alongside junior doctors and other stakeholders, has demanded a more comprehensive investigation into the case, citing doubts regarding the handling of forensic evidence, including the DNA analysis and Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) report. There have also been questions raised regarding the potential involvement of additional individuals, with concerns that the initial investigation may have overlooked crucial leads or evidence.

The trial concluded on January 9, 2025, after over two months of proceedings. The Sealdah court now prepares to announce its verdict, with both the prosecution and defense presenting their arguments. The prosecution, led by the CBI, has sought the death penalty for Roy, while the defense has maintained that Roy should be given a fair trial in accordance with the law.

This case has sparked nationwide protests, with junior doctors calling for the maximum punishment for Roy and civil society groups pushing for justice for the victim. The protests, which began in August 2024, have included large-scale demonstrations, including "Reclaim the Night" rallies, and have spread to various cities across the country. Medical professionals have also called for stronger security measures at state-run hospitals, citing concerns over the safety of healthcare workers.

The Sealdah court’s upcoming verdict is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only in the legal outcome for the accused but also in terms of the broader discourse surrounding medical professionals' safety and accountability in the investigation. The victim's family has also filed an application for further investigation into the case, seeking accountability for those involved in the alleged tampering of evidence.