Kolkata: Trial to Begin in the Rape and Murder of Junior Doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College
The trial for the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata is set to begin on Monday at a special court. This marks a significant step in the legal proceedings surrounding the tragic incident that occurred in August, when the young woman’s body was discovered at the medical college’s seminar hall. The trial will be conducted on a fast-track, daily basis to expedite justice in the case.
Timeline of the Case
The process of framing charges against the “sole prime accused” in the case, Sanjay Roy, was completed on November 4. Roy, a civic volunteer employed at the R.G. Kar Medical College, has been named as the central figure in the crime. With the charge-framing process now complete, the trial is scheduled to begin 94 days after the discovery of the victim’s body on the morning of August 9.
The investigation into the case was initially handled by the Kolkata Police before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over. The CBI filed its first charge sheet on October 4, identifying Roy as the sole accused in the rape and murder. In the charge sheet, Roy was accused of sexually assaulting and killing the woman, whose body was found under mysterious circumstances within the college premises.
High-Profile Legal Developments
The case has attracted significant attention, with political leaders and legal experts weighing in on the proceedings. Recently, a verbal appeal was made in the Supreme Court to move the trial to another state, citing concerns over the potential for bias in the legal process due to the political environment in West Bengal. However, this appeal was rejected by the outgoing Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, who dismissed the request for shifting the trial outside the state.
On Saturday, West Bengal Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, also raised concerns about the fairness of the trial under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Adhikari, echoing the demand for a transfer of the case, argued that justice would be compromised if the trial remained in West Bengal, suggesting that the state government’s influence could interfere with the legal proceedings.
Accused’s Defense
In recent developments, Sanjay Roy has denied the charges against him, claiming that he neither committed the rape nor the murder. According to Roy, he is being falsely implicated in the case by the government. He further alleged that he was pressured by his colleagues in the Kolkata Police, where he worked as a civic volunteer, to remain silent about the incident. Roy’s claims have sparked a fresh wave of controversy, with many questioning the police’s handling of the case.
The trial, which begins on Monday, is expected to be closely watched by the public and legal observers. It will be held in a special court, with fast-track proceedings aimed at ensuring that justice is served without undue delay. The outcome of the trial will not only determine the fate of Sanjay Roy but also set a precedent for how such high-profile cases are handled in the state.
