The psychological profile of Sanjay Roy paints him as a “sexual pervert with animal-like instincts,” with a history of domestic abuse and disturbing personal behavior. The 33-year-old civic volunteer was arrested after the murder of a 31-year-old doctor in Kolkata, and the evidence against him continues to mount as the case unfolds.
BY PC Bureau
A Sealdah court on Saturday will pass its verdict on in the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The horrific incident, which occurred on August 9 last year, shocked the medical community and led to widespread calls for enhanced security measures for healthcare professionals.
Judge Anirban passed the verdict based on the CBI’s first chargesheet against prime accused Sanjay Rai.
The father of the deceased doctor was hopeful of justice. “We will get a good judgement after the court looks at and considers everything…The DNA report established the presence of others as well (other accused)…We are moving courts, one matter is sub-judice before the High Court and another has come before the Supreme Court, it has been listed.,” he said.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case on August 13, 2024, and conducted an extensive investigation. Over 120 witnesses provided testimony during a 66-day in-camera trial. The CBI presented compelling evidence, including biological samples such as DNA and viscera, to confirm Roy’s involvement in the crime. DNA samples taken from the victim’s body were matched to Roy’s, and biological evidence from the crime scene corroborated the agency’s case.
The CBI also highlighted that the victim fought valiantly for her life during the attack, inflicting five distinct injuries on Roy’s body. Medical reports confirmed that the victim died from manual strangulation, and her body showed signs of brutal assault, including severe bleeding from her eyes, mouth, and private parts.
National Outcry and Supreme Court Intervention
The case sparked protests across West Bengal, with doctors and women’s rights groups demanding justice and improved safety measures for medical staff. The victim’s body was found semi-naked in a seminar hall within the hospital, intensifying public outrage.
The Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI, which filed a chargesheet naming Sanjay Roy as the sole prime accused. Two former officials, Sandeep Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar, and Abhijit Mondal, a former officer at the local police station, were arrested for tampering with evidence. However, both were granted default bail after the CBI failed to file a supplementary chargesheet within the statutory 90-day period.
The case also caught the attention of the Supreme Court, which took suo-motu cognizance and expressed concern over the safety of medical professionals nationwide. This led to the formation of a national task force aimed at addressing the security concerns of doctors across India.
#WATCH | On Sealdah Court to announce the verdict of RG Kar rape-murder case today, Victim’s father says, “Our lawyer and CBI have told us not to go to the court. I have no idea about the recent court proceedings…CBI never called me anywhere, they came to our residence once or… pic.twitter.com/FKZ1988dut
— ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2025
The Incident
The victim was found unconscious in a storage room on the hospital campus during a night shift. Initial reports revealed signs of sexual assault and fatal injuries, including blunt force trauma. The discovery of her body led to immediate unrest among her colleagues and medical students, who demanded swift justice and greater safety provisions in hospitals.
The Accused: Sanjay Roy
The investigation quickly identified Sanjay Roy, a 35-year-old hospital volunteer, as the prime accused. Roy, employed on a temporary basis to assist with administrative and logistical tasks, was allegedly the last person seen near the area where the victim was found.
Roy’s Background and Arrest
Roy, who had been working at RG Kar Hospital for over a year, was known for his quiet demeanor. Following his arrest, police alleged that Roy had lured the victim into the storage area under false pretenses. Forensic evidence, including DNA samples and CCTV footage, reportedly linked Roy to the crime scene.
During police interrogation, Roy maintained his innocence, claiming he had stumbled upon the victim already injured and unconscious. His lawyer argued that Roy panicked and fled, fearing that he would be falsely accused. However, the forensic analysis and witness statements contradicted his narrative.
The Administration Under Fire
The hospital administration faced severe criticism for its handling of the case. Former principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh was charged with evidence tampering, following allegations that he delayed the victim’s death declaration and obstructed the filing of a First Information Report (FIR).
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the case, accused Ghosh of trying to protect the hospital’s reputation at the expense of justice. The delay allegedly resulted in the loss of crucial evidence, including the immediate collection of fingerprints and security footage.
Nationwide Protests and Strike Actions
The incident sparked nationwide protests by medical professionals and students, who demanded justice for the victim and stricter safety protocols. The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) called for indefinite strikes, limiting hospital services to emergency care only.
Protesters highlighted the lack of security measures, including poorly lit corridors and insufficient CCTV coverage, which they claimed created an unsafe working environment, especially for female doctors and nurses.
A senior doctor participating in the protests said, “We work long hours in vulnerable conditions, and incidents like this make it clear that our safety is not a priority for the authorities.”
Political and Public Reactions
The incident drew strong reactions from political leaders and the public. Opposition parties criticized the West Bengal government for its failure to ensure safety in state-run hospitals. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the attack and assured a thorough investigation, but critics argued that her administration’s response was insufficient.
Public outrage was palpable, with thousands taking to the streets of Kolkata in candlelight vigils and rallies. Social media campaigns amplified the demands for justice, using hashtags like #JusticeForDrRima (name changed for anonymity).
The Legal Proceedings
As the case proceeded to trial, the court granted bail to Sandip Ghosh, citing insufficient evidence of direct involvement in the crime. Meanwhile, Sanjay Roy remained in custody, facing charges of rape, murder, and destruction of evidence under the Indian Penal Code.
The prosecution built its case on forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and Roy’s alleged inconsistent statements during interrogation. Defense lawyers, however, questioned the reliability of the evidence and raised concerns about procedural lapses in the investigation.
The Broader Implications
The RG Kar incident has reignited debates about the safety of women in workplaces, particularly in high-stress environments like hospitals. Activists have called for a comprehensive overhaul of hospital security policies, including the installation of advanced surveillance systems, deployment of trained security personnel, and regular audits of safety protocols.
The tragedy has also highlighted systemic issues in India’s healthcare sector, including overburdened staff, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of administrative accountability.
The rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital remains a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by medical professionals. As the trial progresses, the focus is not only on delivering justice to the victim but also on ensuring that such incidents do not recur.
The incident has left an indelible mark on the medical community, which continues to demand justice, accountability, and meaningful reforms to protect the very people who dedicate their lives to saving others.
