Public statements and media reports on political party positions regarding the verdict

Kolkata Court Gives Sanjay Roy Life Sentence in RG Kar Doctor's Murder; CBI's Death Penalty Plea Rejected

Jan 20, 2025, 07:49 AM

On January 20, a Kolkata court sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Sealdah Court, presided over by Judge Anirban Das, declared that the case did not fall under the "rarest of rare" category, thus ruling out the death penalty. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had sought capital punishment, labeling the crime as "rarest of rare." During the proceedings, Roy claimed innocence, stating, "I am being framed." The court noted lapses in the investigation. The court also directed the state government to pay Rs 17 lakh in compensation to the victim's family, which they rejected, asserting they sought justice, not compensation. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict, stating that she had earlier demanded the death penalty for Roy. Political leaders across parties reacted to the sentencing, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticizing the decision as a travesty of justice.