In Kolkata, a court recently brought formal charges against Sanjay Roy, the prime suspect in the tragic case of rape and murder of a woman doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident occurred on August 9, 2024, when the doctor’s body was found in a seminar room at the state-run hospital. Sanjay Roy, a civic police volunteer, has been accused under sections 64 (punishment for rape), 66 (punishment for causing death or resulting in a persistent vegetative state), and 103 (punishment for murder) of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyay Samhita.

The Additional District Judge at Sealdah framed these charges against Roy within the judge's chambers, marking 87 days since the horrific event. The case, initially handled by Kolkata Police, was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under directives from the Calcutta High Court. The CBI subsequently filed a chargesheet 28 days prior to the court’s decision to formally charge Roy, presenting 11 pieces of evidence against him. The court also announced that the trial will begin on November 11, 2024, and will be conducted daily.

Outside the court, Roy proclaimed his innocence, claiming that he had been falsely implicated. “I have done nothing. I have been framed in this rape-murder case. Nobody is listening to me. The government is framing me and threatening me not to open my mouth,” he stated to the media while being escorted out of the court premises. Roy maintained his innocence, alleging that he was being coerced into silence.

Meanwhile, some believe that other individuals may have been involved in the incident. This speculation has been bolstered by statements from the victim’s family and comments from various concerned parties. In a parallel development, the former principal of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Sandip Ghosh, and the former officer-in-charge of Tala police station, Abhijit Mondal, also faced judicial scrutiny. Both Ghosh and Mondal were questioned by a city court, as they allegedly delayed filing an FIR regarding the case, which raised suspicions of potential tampering with evidence.

The CBI accused Ghosh and Mondal of collaborating by having phone conversations shortly after the incident, and of subsequently creating misleading records. Both were subsequently detained, with their judicial remand extended until November 18, 2024, following the presentation of these allegations in court.

This high-profile case has sparked significant public outrage, with civil rights organizations and women’s groups calling for justice. In response to the day’s court proceedings, various rights groups organized rallies throughout the city, demanding accountability and justice for the deceased doctor. Members of the junior doctor community also joined these demonstrations, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation and justice for their colleague.

In a related development, the CBI claimed on September 25, 2024, that false records were made at the Tala police station to possibly distort the investigation. The case is under close watch by the Supreme Court, with a hearing expected on Tuesday. As the trial date approaches, the city remains on high alert, with mounting demands for an impartial investigation and strict legal action against all involved.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)