Sanjay Roy, the prime suspect in the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s state-run RG Kar Hospital, was found guilty today by a local court. The sentencing is scheduled for Monday.
Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was convicted under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertaining to rape, murder, and causing death. Despite the verdict, he maintained his innocence, claiming he was “being framed.”
As he was escorted out, Roy alleged that a certain Indian Police Service (IPS) officer was aware of the truth. “I didn’t do this. Why are the real culprits walking free? I always wear a rudraksh chain around my neck. If I had committed the crime, the chain would have been broken at the scene. I cannot commit such a crime,” he insisted.
Responding to his claims, the judge assured Roy that he would be allowed to speak on Monday before sentencing. “You will be heard on Monday. For now, I am placing you in judicial custody. The punishment will be announced at 12:30 p.m.,” said Justice Das.
The verdict comes nearly two months after the in-camera trial began in November last year, following the horrific crime that took place on August 9. On that day, the semi-naked body of the trainee doctor was discovered in the seminar hall of RG Kar Hospital. Roy was arrested the next day after CCTV footage showed him entering the building around the estimated time of the crime.
