kolkata, india
Reuters
—
An Indian police volunteer who raped and murdered a junior doctor at a hospital in the eastern city of Kolkata was found guilty on Saturday in a speedy trial for a crime that sparked nationwide outrage over the lack of safety for women.
The woman’s body was found on August 9 in a classroom at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Other doctors took several weeks off work to demand justice for her and increased security in public hospitals.
Sanjay Roy said in November that he was “totally innocent” and had been framed. He reiterated this in court Saturday, saying, “I didn’t do that.”
Roy’s lawyer could not be reached for comment on the verdict. They had alleged that there were obvious discrepancies in the investigation report and the forensic examination report.
Justice Anirban Das said the charges against Roy were proven by circumstantial evidence and the sentence to be announced on Monday would range from life imprisonment to death.
“Your guilt has been proven. You are convicted,” the judge said.
The victim’s parents, whose names cannot be published under Indian law, expressed frustration with the investigation, saying the crime could not have been the work of just one person.
“Our daughter could not have met such a tragic end at the hands of one man,” her father said. “Until all the perpetrators are brought to justice, we will continue to experience pain and suffering.”
During the trial, the Indian Federal Police, which investigated the case, called the crime “a rare case among rare cases” and called for the death penalty for Roy.
Several doctors chanted slogans in solidarity with the victims outside the courtroom. Young Doctors spokesperson Dr. Aniket Mahato said the street protests would continue “until justice is done.”
More than 200 armed police personnel were present in preparation for the sentencing, as Mr Roy was taken to court in a police car.
According to court officials, 128 witnesses were named in the investigation, 51 of whom were questioned during the trial. The trial began on November 11 and was fast-tracked to completion.
Police also charged the local police chief and the hospital director at the time of the crime with destroying the scene and tampering with evidence.
The police officer has been released on bail, but the former hospital director remains in custody in connection with a separate case involving financial irregularities at the hospital.
