Mon Jan 20 10:33:53 UTC 2025: ## Life Imprisonment for RG Kar Rape-Murder Convict; CM Banerjee Blames CBI for Lack of Death Penalty
**Kolkata, [Date]** – Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, was today sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a 34-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The verdict sparked immediate outrage from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who asserted that if the investigation had remained with Kolkata Police, Roy would have received the death penalty.
The case, which ignited nationwide protests five months ago, was transferred to the CBI following allegations of a cover-up and a Supreme Court order. While the court acknowledged the prosecution’s failure to prove the crime fell into the “rarest of rare” category necessary for a death sentence, Chief Minister Banerjee expressed her dissatisfaction with the outcome. She stated that the Kolkata Police had consistently advocated for the death penalty and had successfully secured it in three other cases within 60 days. The Chief Minister emphasized her commitment to justice and reiterated her belief that the Kolkata Police would have secured a different verdict.
The court awarded the victim’s elderly parents ₹17 lakh in compensation, a gesture they rejected, prioritizing justice over financial aid. However, the judge insisted on the compensation, citing legal provisions.
Despite the conviction, lingering questions remain. The victim’s parents and protesting doctors continue to believe Roy was not the sole perpetrator, alleging a potential cover-up involving individuals connected to the ruling Trinamool Congress party. Chief Minister Banerjee has vehemently denied these allegations, previously leading a protest march to demand justice for the victim.
First Piper 