In a horrifying event at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Sanjay Roy has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the distressing rape-murder case. Alongside, a penalty of INR 50,000 has been levied. Judge Anirban Das stated that while it is not classified as the rarest of rare cases, the punishment fits the crime.
After a span of 164 days following the heinous incident on August 9 of last year, the Sealdah Court has pronounced its verdict. The court found Sanjay Roy guilty under sections 64, 66, and 103 (1) of the Indian Penal Code, which usually entail the death penalty or life imprisonment. However, given the circumstance, a life sentence was deemed suitable.
Timeline of Events in the Kolkata Case...
August 9, 2024:
The lifeless body of the post-graduate trainee doctor was found in a seminar hall on the third floor of the hospital. The brutality after the rape sent shockwaves throughout everyone who saw it.
August 10, 2024:
Kolkata Police arrested civic volunteer Sanjay Roy for the murder and rape of the victim found in a drunken stupor in a camp within the hospital premises.
August 12, 2024:
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the deceased doctor's home, urging Kolkata Police to resolve the case within a week, threatening to otherwise hand over the investigation to the CBI.
The heinous crime sparked nationwide protests. Junior doctors staged a sit-in crippling hospital operations. Amidst the protests, Principal Sandeep Ghosh of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital resigned, only to be relocated to Calcutta National Medical College later.
August 13, 2024:
The Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI, simultaneously putting Sandeep Ghosh on leave. A CBI team from Delhi arrived in Kolkata, taking custody of Sanjay Roy from Kolkata Police.
August 14, 2024:
'Reclaim the Night' protests saw vast numbers rallying for women's safety in West Bengal, during which parts of RG Kar Medical College experienced vandalism.
August 17, 2024:
The IMA called for a 24-hour shutdown of health services nationwide.
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Source: aajtak
August 18, 2024:
The Supreme Court took suo moto cognizance of the case.
August 20, 2024:
The judiciary criticized the West Bengal government for the delay in FIR lodging and allowing vandalism at the hospital. A national task force of 10 members was formed to create protocols ensuring the safety of doctors and healthcare workers.
August 21, 2024:
CISF took charge of security at RG Kar Medical College. Several officers faced suspension over the August 14 vandalism incident.
August 27, 2024:
Student group 'Chhatra Samaj' marched to the state secretariat demanding CM Mamata Banerjee's resignation encountered skirmishes with the police resulting in several injuries.
September 2, 2024:
The CBI detained Sandeep Ghosh over financial fraud allegations linked to the medical college.
September 10, 2024:
Junior doctors held demonstrations outside the state health department headquarter in Salt Lake, continuing their operational shutdown.
September 14, 2024:
New charges were filed against Sandeep Ghosh and police officer Abhijit Mandal for tampering evidence and delaying FIR lodgement in the case.
September 16, 2024:
With health services disrupted across Bengal, junior doctors met with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss their grievances.
September 17, 2024:
Following the meeting with protesting doctors, Kolkata's police commissioner was replaced alongside several key officials.
September 19, 2024:
Junior doctors decided to call off their strike.
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Source: aajtak
October 6, 2024:
The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front began an indefinite hunger strike, demanding unfulfilled promises from the government regarding justice for their fallen colleague.
October 7, 2024:
The CBI filed charges against Sanjay Roy in the Sealdah Court.
October 21, 2024:
The hunger strike ended following a conciliatory meeting with Mamata Banerjee.
November 12, 2024:
Closed-door hearings commenced in the Sealdah Court.
November 29, 2024:
The CBI submitted a comprehensive document detailing financial misdeeds, implicating Sandeep Ghosh.
December 13, 2024:
Due to procedural delays by the CBI, Ghosh and Mandal procured bail.
January 9, 2025:
The Sealdah Court completed its hearings on the rape-murder case.
January 18, 2025:
Sanjay Roy was convicted under sections for rape, causing death, and murder of the BNS.
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Source: aajtak
January 20, 2025:
The Sealdah Court concluded sentencing Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment, rejecting the rarest of rare classification. The state was directed to compensate the victim's family with INR 17 lakh, a compensation the family refused.
