Rapists and Murderers Convicted in Kolkata Hospital Crime
KOLKATA: An Indian police volunteer was convicted on Saturday of the rape and murder of a junior doctor at a hospital in the eastern city Kolkata, in the speedy trial of a crime that sparked national outrage over a lack of safety for women.
The Crime
The woman’s body was found in a classroom at the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Other doctors stayed off work for weeks to demand justice for her and better security at public hospitals.
The Trial
Defendant Sanjay Roy said in November he was "completely innocent" and was being framed. He reiterated this in court on Saturday, saying, "I have not done this." Roy’s lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment on the verdict. They had argued there were glaring discrepancies in the investigation and forensic examination reports.
The Verdict
Judge Anirban Das said circumstantial evidence had proved the charges against Roy and that the sentence, to be announced on Monday, would range from life in prison to the death penalty. "Your guilt is proved. You are being convicted," the judge said.
Reaction from the Victim’s Family
The parents of the victim, who cannot be named under Indian law, expressed dissatisfaction with the probe, saying the crime could not have been committed by just one person. "Our daughter could not have met such a horrific end by a single man," her father said. "We will remain in pain and agony until all the culprits are punished."
Response from the Medical Community
Several doctors chanted slogans in solidarity with the victim outside the court. Dr. Aniket Mahato, a spokesperson for the junior doctors, said street protests would continue "until justice is done." More than 200 armed police personnel were deployed in anticipation of the verdict as Roy was brought to court in a police car.
The Investigation
The investigation cited 128 witnesses, of whom 51 were examined during the trial, which began on November 11 and was fast-tracked to conclude swiftly, according to court sources. Police also charged the officer heading the local police station at the time of the crime and the then-head of the hospital with destruction of the crime scene and tampering with evidence. The police officer is out on bail while the former head of the hospital remains in detention in connection with a separate case of financial irregularities at the hospital.
Conclusion
The conviction of Sanjay Roy is a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victim and her family. However, the case highlights the ongoing concerns about safety and security for women in India, particularly in public spaces. The medical community has been vocal in demanding better protection and support for its members, and the government must take concrete steps to address these concerns.
FAQs
Q: What was the nature of the crime?
A: The crime was the rape and murder of a junior doctor at a hospital in Kolkata.
Q: Who was convicted of the crime?
A: Sanjay Roy, an Indian police volunteer, was convicted of the crime.
Q: What was the sentence?
A: The sentence is yet to be announced, but it will range from life in prison to the death penalty.
Q: How did the victim’s family react to the verdict?
A: The victim’s family expressed dissatisfaction with the probe, saying the crime could not have been committed by just one person.