West Bengal Challenges Life Sentence, Seeks Death Penalty for Sanjay Roy in RG Kar Case

West Bengal moves Calcutta High Court seeking the death penalty for Sanjay Roy in the RG Kar rape-murder case after the trial court sentenced him to life imprisonment, citing lack of "rarest of rare" criteria.

West Bengal Challenges Life Sentence, Seeks Death Penalty for Sanjay Roy in RG Kar Case

The West Bengal government has moved the Calcutta High Court, seeking the death penalty for Sanjay Roy, who was convicted in the RG Kar rape and murder case. The appeal was mentioned before a Bench led by Justice Debangshu Basak, challenging the trial court's decision to impose life imprisonment instead of capital punishment.

Trial Court's Verdict

  • On Monday, Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das sentenced Roy to life imprisonment.
  • The court declined to impose the death penalty, stating that the crime did not meet the "rarest of rare" standard necessary for capital punishment.
  • The prosecution, conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), had argued for the death sentence, citing the brutal nature of the crime.

State Government's Appeal

  • West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict.
  • She stated on social platform X"I am really shocked to see that the judgement of the Court today finds that it is not a Rarest of Rare case! I am convinced that it is indeed a rarest of rare case which demands capital punishment."
  • The State has formally appealed to the Calcutta High Court, seeking the enhancement of the sentence to capital punishment.

Case Background

  • The case involves the rape and murder of a 31-year-old resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
  • The incident took place on August 9, 2024, when the victim was found dead in the seminar hall of the hospital.
  • An autopsy confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted and murdered.

Investigation and Prosecution

  • Initially, the Kolkata Police arrested Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, on August 10, 2024, a day after the crime.
  • Due to the widespread public outcry and the gravity of the case, the investigation was transferred to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court.
  • The CBI filed criminal charges for rape and murder, with the trial commencing on November 12, 2024, and concluding on January 9, 2025.

Public Response and Protests

  • The incident led to nationwide protests, with doctors across India staging strikes.
  • Protesters demanded stricter laws and better safety measures for medical professionals.

Current Status

  • The State's appeal for the death penalty is currently pending before the Calcutta High Court, with further hearings expected soon.
  • The outcome of the appeal will have significant legal and social implications.

Source: Business Standard & The Economic Times

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