The Additional District and session Judge Anirban Das also stated that the maximum possible sentence for Roy would be the death penalty, while the minimum sentence would be life imprisonment.
Kolkata: The Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court will announce the punishment for Sanjay Roy, accused of raping and murdering a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, on Monday afternoon. This horrific crime occurred on August 9 last year, which triggered nationwide outrage and protests. On Saturday, the court found Roy guilty under Sections 64, 66, and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Despite being convicted, Roy continues to claim that he was framed in the case and will present his final statement before sentencing. Yesterday, the beach said that Roy’s statement will be heard at 12:30 pm, and the sentence will be pronounced thereafter.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das cleared during the hearing that the maximum possible sentence for Roy would be the death penalty, while the minimum sentence would be life imprisonment. The court stated that there was a complaint against the accused that he went to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, entered the seminar room, and assaulted and murdered the female trainee doctor who was resting there. The court’s decision relied on forensic evidence, including reports that highlighted Roy’s involvement in the incident.
Notably, Roy’s DNA was also found at the crime scene and on the victim’s body.
For context, Section 64 (rape) of the BNS entails a punishment of not less than 10 years and can go up to life term. Section 66 (punishment for causing death or resulting in a persistent vegetative state of the victim) provides for a punishment of not less than 20 years that may extend to imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person’s natural life, or with death. Section 103(1) (murder) of BNS provides for the death penalty or imprisonment for life to a person convicted of the crime.
The court, led by Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das, also criticised some activities of the police and hospital authorities in its detailed 160-page judgment. The verdict also addressed questions raised by the victim’s father, who initially filed the complaint. The parents of the deceased doctor have expressed gratitude to the court for delivering justice.
(with PTI inputs)
