Prime Accused Charged in RG Kar Case
Kolkata Court Frames Charges in RG Kar Rape-Murder Case
Eighty-seven days after the tragic discovery of a woman medic’s body at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a Kolkata court has taken a significant step by framing charges against the prime accused, Sanjay Roy. On November 4, the court formally charged Roy, marking a pivotal development in the RG Kar rape-murder case. This legal move sets the stage for the trial, which is scheduled to commence on a day-to-day basis from November 11.
Charges Framed Against the Prime Accused
Sanjay Roy, who has been identified as the primary suspect, faces serious allegations. The charges include Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita for rape, Section 66 for causing death or resulting in a persistent vegetative state, and Section 103 for murder. These charges reflect the gravity of the RG Kar rape-murder case and highlight the intent of the judicial system to address this heinous crime with urgency and thoroughness.
As he was escorted out of the Sealdah court, Roy denied any involvement, claiming, “I have done nothing. I have been framed in this rape-murder case. Nobody is listening to me.” Roy asserted that he was being framed by the government and allegedly threatened not to speak out. Despite these statements, the charges against him stand, and the case will now proceed to trial.
Arrest and Initial Investigation
Roy’s arrest came swiftly after the incident. The Kolkata Police detained him on August 10, just one day after the body of the on-duty doctor was found inside the seminar room at RG Kar Hospital. Given the sensitive nature and high-profile status of the RG Kar rape-murder case, the Calcutta High Court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the case, ensuring a thorough and independent investigation.
The involvement of the CBI underscores the complexities surrounding the case and the need for a transparent inquiry. The agency’s charge sheet, submitted last month, identifies Roy as the “sole prime accused.” However, questions remain about whether others might have been involved, and civil society has called for a detailed investigation into all aspects of the crime.
Political Reactions and Calls for Investigation
Prominent figures in West Bengal’s political landscape have weighed in on the RG Kar rape-murder case, calling for a deeper investigation. Senior Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury expressed concerns that Roy’s claims of innocence warrant further examination. “Such claims of an accused should not be ignored and call for an investigation. We have been saying that such a crime is not possible by a single person. It’s a collective crime,” Chowdhury remarked, urging the CBI to look into potential collusion or misconduct by the Kolkata Police.
Additionally, Chowdhury emphasized the need to probe the role of the police in the case. His statements reflect a broader sentiment that there may be layers to the RG Kar rape-murder case beyond the actions of a single individual. The CBI has stated that they are investigating all angles, including any possible “deep conspiracy” that may have led to this tragic incident.
Public Pressure and Civil Society’s Response
The RG Kar rape-murder case has prompted widespread outrage, with civil society organizations rallying to demand swift justice. A march organized by civil society members, including school teacher Lipika Chakraborty, was held from Karunamoyee Crossing to the CBI office in Salt Lake. Protesters expressed frustration with the pace of the investigation, calling on the CBI to expedite the probe and deliver answers to the community.
“It’s almost three months since the incident happened. What is the CBI doing? There is no clarity in its investigation. We want the CBI to complete its investigation as soon as possible,” stated Chakraborty during the protest. The rally highlighted the public’s impatience and the desire for transparency in the judicial process, particularly in such a sensitive case.
TMC and BJP Leaders Weigh In
Political leaders from various parties have offered differing perspectives on the RG Kar rape-murder case. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar urged patience, acknowledging that while the CBI’s work is ongoing, they have reportedly faced a lack of cooperation from local police. “The CBI is investigating the case though the police are not cooperating with it,” he noted, signaling potential obstacles within the investigative process.
Conversely, TMC’s Kunal Ghosh, a former Rajya Sabha MP, defended the local police, stating, “The Kolkata Police arrested the accused within 24 hours after the crime was discovered.” Ghosh further pointed out that the CBI has also identified Roy as the primary accused in its charge sheet, cautioning against speculations while the investigation is still underway.
Justice Sought for the Deceased Medic
As the trial for the RG Kar rape-murder case prepares to begin, junior doctors in West Bengal are also voicing their demand for justice. Several rallies are planned across different parts of the state, organized by the medical community to honor the memory of the deceased doctor and press for a thorough investigation. The medical community, along with civil society, hopes that the trial will bring closure to a case that has left a deep impact on Kolkata and beyond.
With charges now officially framed, the RG Kar rape-murder case moves closer to judicial resolution. As the trial unfolds, the public and political figures alike will continue to follow the proceedings, hoping for a just outcome that addresses the concerns of the community and ensures accountability.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and legal proceedings. It is intended solely for informative purposes and does not express any opinions or conclusions about the case.