A West Bengal court has officially framed rape and murder charges against Sanjay Roy in the shocking case involving the death of a 31-year-old trainee doctor from Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

According to information shared by ANI, Sealdah court in West Bengal framed the charges against the accused under crucial Sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. The charges include Section 103(1), which specifies that “whoever commits murder shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.” In addition, Roy faces charges under Section 64, which pertains to the “punishment for rape,” and Section 66, which covers the “punishment for causing death or resulting in a persistent vegetative state of the victim.”

Despite these severe allegations, Sanjay Roy has denied any wrongdoing. Following his appearance in court on Monday, he made a statement emphasizing his innocence. He declared, “I have done nothing. I have been framed in this rape-murder case. Nobody is listening to me. The government is framing me and threatening me not to open my mouth.”

The court proceedings are set to accelerate, with the day-to-day trial scheduled to start on November 11, 2024. This marks the beginning of what is expected to be an intense and closely monitored legal battle.

Sanjay Roy, who works as a civic volunteer, stands as the primary accused in a case that has stirred public outcry and intensified debates about safety and violence in healthcare institutions.

As Sanjay Roy, the arrested civic volunteer, was being escorted into a prison van after leaving the Sealdah court, he attempted to address the journalists gathered nearby. Up until this moment, the accused had not spoken a word in front of reporters. Since his arrest, Roy had maintained a demeanor that appeared calm and detached, not showing any signs of anxiety or eagerness to speak.

However, following his arrest, he broke his silence with a surprising statement. He declared, “I am guilty, hang me.” Yet, during the court hearing, he changed his stance, pleading with the judge, “Sir, I have something to say. Or will make him guilty.” As he was escorted out of the courtroom, he repeated to the press, “I didn’t do anything.”

When charges were formally framed against him on Monday, Roy made a series of shocking remarks. He said, “The government is hanging me. I did not commit rape and murder. I am being framed. The department told me to keep quiet.” His words raised eyebrows, casting a shadow of doubt and intrigue over the entire case.

The context surrounding Roy's outbursts has sparked numerous questions, especially as the trial approaches. His claims came at a critical juncture, just before the Supreme Court hearing on the RG tax case, scheduled for Tuesday. The case has ignited widespread agitation, drawing protests from various sections of society, particularly among the medical community. The outrage and demonstrations have emphasized the deep societal impact of the incident.

Despite this, the charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) 55 days after the tragic event named Sanjay Roy as one of the sole accused in the gruesome rape and murder case. Roy’s explosive comments, however, have created a swirl of speculation and raised doubts about the investigation's integrity. The questions linger, and his statements continue to fuel intense debate, amplifying the complexity and tension surrounding the unfolding judicial proceedings.

What is Kolkata RG Kar Rape and Murder Case?

On August 9, a shocking incident unfolded at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, where a second-year medical student was tragically found dead in the seminar hall. This disturbing event sent shockwaves through West Bengal, igniting widespread protests. Doctors from across the country came forward to stand in solidarity with their fellow junior doctors in Kolkata, voicing their outrage and demanding justice for the deceased.

The case took a serious turn when Sanjay Roy, a civic police volunteer, emerged as the prime accused. His position granted him unrestricted access to various areas of the hospital, a privilege that has since raised many concerns. Roy was swiftly arrested by the Kolkata Police on August 10, marking the beginning of a high-profile investigation into the horrific crime.

In the weeks that followed, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the investigation and compiled a detailed chargesheet. The CBI documented 11 critical pieces of evidence against Sanjay Roy, aiming to solidify the case against him. This evidence included DNA reports and blood samples, all pointing towards his involvement in the tragic rape and murder. The chargesheet unequivocally named Roy as the “sole accused” in the brutal incident, intensifying public scrutiny and the demand for a thorough judicial process.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has laid out a compelling set of evidence against Sanjay Roy, aiming to strengthen the case in the Kolkata RG Kar rape and murder trial. The CBI highlighted multiple critical findings, including the presence of Roy's DNA on the victim’s body, strands of short hair, and visible injuries on his person. They also cited the presence of the victim's blood stains on Roy, along with essential pieces of technological evidence such as CCTV footage and mobile phone location data derived from call detail records (CDR).

In its detailed chargesheet, the CBI emphasized: “His [Roy’s] presence in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and also at the third floor of the emergency building where SoC (scene of the crime) lies, during the intervening night of August 8 and 9 is proved by way of CCTV footage. His presence is proved by way of the location of his mobile phone as per CDR.” The report, as shared by news agency PTI, paints a picture of Roy's movements, presenting a clear timeline of his whereabouts on the night of the crime.

However, the investigation has also brought to light serious allegations against certain authorities. The chargesheet alleges that Abhijit Mondal, the then officer in charge of Tala police station, and Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar hospital, were involved in efforts to cover up the incident. These claims include accusations of attempting to destroy evidence, actions that were significant enough to lead to their arrests.

The revelations of possible attempts to hush up the crime have added another layer of complexity to this already high-stakes case. As these details emerge, the public's demand for transparency and accountability has only intensified. The narrative surrounding this case has shifted beyond just the actions of a single accused, touching on broader concerns about institutional negligence and the need for a robust investigation to ensure that justice is served for the young medical student who lost her life.