A court in India has found Sanjay Roy, a hospital volunteer worker, guilty of raping and murdering a trainee doctor at a hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. The incident last August ignited nationwide outrage, with concerns escalating over the safety of healthcare workers, particularly women.
Judge Anirban Das mentioned that the sentence, ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty, will be disclosed on Monday. Roy, who claims innocence and alleges being framed, faces a potential death penalty, which the victim's mother believes is necessary for maintaining faith in India's judiciary.
The victim, a 31-year-old doctor, was discovered dead in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital after a grueling 36-hour shift. The post-mortem examination revealed signs of strangulation and defensive injuries, indicating a struggle.
The investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation unveiled that Roy, in an inebriated state, attacked the doctor while she was sleeping alone. The case was transferred to the CBI amid accusations of mishandling by state authorities.
Following the incident, protests erupted nationwide, with healthcare professionals demanding justice and improved security. The victim's parents sought a fresh investigation, expressing doubts about the current probe and insisting on holding all involved parties accountable.
This tragedy has drawn attention to the escalating violence against healthcare workers in India, exacerbated by the prevalence of unreported cases due to societal stigma and a lack of confidence in the legal system.