Sanjay Roy was sentenced to life imprisonment by a court today after being found guilty in the rape and murder case of Abhaya. The court proceedings included arguments from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which had called for the death penalty, while Roy’s defense lawyer requested life imprisonment. After reviewing the case details, the judge determined that it did not meet the criteria for a "rarest of rare" case and sentenced Roy to life imprisonment instead of the death penalty.
In addition to the life sentence, Roy was imposed a fine of 10 lakh for the murder and 7 lakh for committing the crime while on duty as a public official. The total fine amount is aimed at providing financial restitution to Abhaya’s family. Furthermore, Roy was ordered to pay an additional 50,000 fine in connection with his life imprisonment sentence. The judge explained that while the legal proceedings have concluded in this manner, the state government would provide the necessary compensation to the family.
Abhaya's father expressed his discontent with the life sentence and instead requested the death penalty, stating that no amount of money could replace the loss of his daughter. In response, the judge emphasized that financial compensation cannot restore a life lost. The judge clarified that the decision was within the scope of the law, but also noted that the family could pursue other legal options if they wished, outside the current judicial framework.