Sun Jan 19 03:38:46 UTC 2025: ## Kolkata Court Convicts Former Police Volunteer in Gruesome Doctor’s Rape and Murder Case

**Kolkata, India** – A Kolkata court has found Sanjay Roy, a 33-year-old former civic police volunteer, guilty of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar hospital last year. The brutal crime, which sparked widespread protests and brought the state of Bengal to a standstill, concluded with Roy’s conviction on Saturday. He will be sentenced on Monday.

The 31-year-old victim, referred to by local media as “Abhaya,” was found dead on August 9th, 2023, after working a night shift. The case, investigated by the CBI after initial concerns about evidence tampering, resulted in a 160-page judgment convicting Roy under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to rape, murder, and causing death.

Judge Anirban Das, in his order, criticized certain actions by police and hospital authorities, mentioning confusion created by the Head of Department, Medical Superintendent, and Principal. The judge’s criticism is detailed in the full order, yet to be publicly released. The victim’s father expressed relief at the verdict in court.

Roy maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming he was framed, even repeating this assertion in court on Saturday. He also alleged an IPS officer’s involvement. This claim contradicts his initial confession, according to reports.

The trial, conducted in-camera, involved the testimony of at least 50 witnesses. Besides Roy, the medical college principal and a former police officer were arrested for alleged evidence tampering, but later secured bail due to inaction by the CBI. The full judgment is expected to shed more light on the evidence tampering claims.

The conviction is a significant development, offering some solace to the thousands of doctors who protested, demanding improved safety and infrastructure in healthcare settings.

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