Life Sentence For RG Kar Rape-Murder Convict Sanjay Roy; Kolkata Court Denies Death Penalty, Calls Case 'Not Rarest Of Rare'

The Sealdah Court in Kolkata on Monday (20 January) delivered a life imprisonment sentence to Sanjay Roy, the convict in the rape-murder case of a post-graduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The court clarified that the case did not fall under the 'rarest of the rare' category, which would warrant a death penalty, as demanded by the probe agency, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), NDTV reported.

Justice Anirban Das issued a directive to the West Bengal government to provide Rs 17 lakh in compensation to the parents of the victim. The parents, present in the courtroom, expressed their desire for justice rather than monetary compensation.

In response, the judge clarified that the compensation order was mandated by law, and they were at liberty to spend the money as they wished.

Roy has been found guilty of charges related to rape and murder under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. However, the court heard Roy and final arguments before pronouncing the sentence.

Roy told the court, "I haven't done this. I have been framed. Lots of things were destroyed, but if I had done it then my rudraksha mala would have broken. You decide whether I have been framed or not."

Both the CBI's representative and the victim's parents described the case as an extremely rare one, arguing that Roy should face capital punishment.

In response, Roy's attorney referenced Supreme Court guidelines concerning the death penalty, prompting the judge to request a detailed list of these guidelines for review.

The Sealdah court precinct was heavily fortified by police to avoid any unforeseen mishaps following the sentencing. Doctors and other individuals have congregated near the court, even though they were not granted permission.

Protesters are claiming that Roy couldn't have been the sole perpetrator of the crime, insisting that the other culprits should not evade justice. The parents of the victim have expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation conducted by the CBI.

They claim that there are more individuals involved in the crime who have yet to face justice. The mother stated, "It's not just one person involved in the crime, but the CBI has been unsuccessful in capturing the others."