RG Kar case: Junior doctors protest outside Sealdah Court, demand stricter punishment for Sanjay Roy

Junior doctors gathered outside the Sealdah Court on Monday, voicing their demand for a harsher punishment for Sanjay Roy, the convict in the RG Kar rape-murder case.

Speaking to ANI, one of the junior doctors stated that they would appeal to higher courts for a stricter sentence. "We wanted a strict and exemplary punishment; this is not enough. We will move to higher courts seeking a harsher judgement," the doctor said.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | Junior doctors hold protest outside Sealdah Court. The Court sends convict in RG Kar rape-murder case, Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment

A junior doctor says, "We wanted a strict and exemplary punishment, this punishment is not enough... We will… pic.twitter.com/ZCAv7g7uoY

— ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed her dissatisfaction over the court's decision to sentence Roy to life imprisonment. She stated that had the case remained under Kolkata Police jurisdiction, they would have ensured a death penalty.

"I learned about the sentencing from the media. We have always demanded capital punishment, and we stand by it. However, this is the court's decision, and I can't say much about it. For three other cases, Kolkata police ensured capital punishment through thorough investigations concluded within 54-60 days. This was a serious case. Had it been under our purview, we would have ensured the death penalty long back," CM Mamata said while addressing the media in Malda.

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Congress leader Salman Khurshid, on the other hand, welcomed the judgment, stating it would send a strong message to potential offenders. "The biggest concern that people express is that many tragic incidents take place, and people wait for the Court, which leads to apathy. But in this case, the investigation was swift, and the Court pronounced its judgment in very little time. The judgment is apt, and it should be welcomed. Will it convey a message to those who commit such crimes?" Khurshid said.

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar expressed his dissatisfaction with the verdict and called for a more in-depth investigation.

"We wanted the highest punishment for the convict Sanjay Roy. As an elected representative, I can't comment against the court's decision. The public of West Bengal doesn't believe that only one person is involved in the RG Kar rape-murder case. I think there should be more depth in this, as Sanjay is claiming that there were also police and other people involved," said Majumdar.

The case involves the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, whose body was found on August 9 in the seminar room of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

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