Before Sanjay Roy, the main accused, was convicted on Saturday in the case of rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, as the time of verdict was getting closer, there was a dilemma between hope and apprehension. The entire nation’s eyes were fixed on the Sealdah Court and a huge crowd had gathered in and around the court premises.
Judge Anirban Das delivered the verdict at around 2.30 pm on Saturday in courtroom 210. Before the sentencing, a huge crowd of lawyers, activists, doctors and citizens had gathered in the court premises.
The case pertains to the rape and murder of a 28-year-old post-graduate medical trainee on August 9. His body was found that day in the seminar room of the hospital.
Sanjay Roy, a volunteer attached to the Kolkata Police, was arrested the very next day in connection with the crime.
Investigators allege that he committed this crime alone, while the doctor’s family and junior doctor’s organizations suspect a wider conspiracy.
After this crime, there was public anger across the country and there were demonstrations regarding the safety of doctors at the workplace. By Saturday morning, the usually chaotic court complex was in a peaceful but tense mood.
The matter was being discussed everywhere in the court premises and their words were a mixture of hope and doubt. A senior advocate said, “This is not just a case; This is an important moment for justice in our country.” A local asked, ”Will he get the maximum punishment?”
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought the harshest punishment for Roy. However, the doctor’s parents said, “One person alone cannot do this.” We demand a comprehensive investigation to bring out the entire truth.”