​A sessions court in Kolkata has sentenced Sanjay Roy, a former traffic police volunteer, to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court determined that the case did not meet the criteria for the “rarest of rare” category, thus rejecting the prosecution’s request for the death penalty.

The incident occurred on August 9, 2024, when the victim was found raped and murdered on the hospital premises. The crime sparked widespread protests among medical professionals and the public, leading to demands for justice and improved safety measures in hospitals.​

Judge Anirban Das, in his verdict, emphasized the importance of delivering a sentence that upholds the integrity of the legal system and serves the broader interests of justice. He stated that while the act was “barbaric and brutal,” it did not warrant the death penalty as it wasn’t deemed the “rarest of rare.” The court also acknowledged the immense grief of the victim’s family and directed the state to pay ₹17 lakh as compensation.

This case highlights the judiciary’s careful consideration in applying the “rarest of rare” doctrine, ensuring that the death penalty is reserved for only the most exceptional circumstances.

Sources