RG Kar rape-murder case: Convict's mother says son should face punishment he deserves

Sanjoy, a 33-year-old former civic police volunteer, has been convicted in the rape and murder case of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the state-run hospital.

The mother of Sanjoy Roy, convicted for the rape and murder of a medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, stated on Sunday that if her son is found guilty, he should face the punishment he deserves, even if it means hanging.

Malati Roy, initially reluctant to speak after her son's conviction on January 18, told reporters that as a mother of three daughters, she deeply empathises with the grief of the victim's family. "If the court decides to hang him, I have no objection, as his crime has been proven in the eyes of the law. I will cry alone but accept it as destiny," said the 70-year-old woman, standing outside her home in Shambhunath Pandit Street, 5 km from Sealdah Court.

She revealed that she had not attended the court proceedings or met her son in the lockup. "Why should I? If the charges were untrue, I would have tried to visit," she said, citing her failing health.

One of Sanjoy's elder sisters, who lives nearby, said the law should take its course if he is proven guilty. "We don't plan to challenge the verdict," she added. The sister, who declined to reveal her name, described Sanjoy as a normal child but acknowledged his turn to alcohol in later years. "I never heard of him misbehaving with any woman," she said.

The sister also mentioned media reports suggesting that Sanjoy may not have been alone at the crime scene and called for a thorough investigation to uncover any other potential involvement. "Since his arrest, we've faced stigma from neighbors and relatives. I hope this clears the air," she added.

The Sealdah sessions court in Kolkata, on Saturday, convicted Sanjoy, a 33-year-old former civic police volunteer, in the rape and murder case of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the state-run hospital. In a 160-page judgment, Additional District and Sessions Court Judge Anirban Das convicted Roy under charges of rape, murder, and causing death. The judge also criticised the actions of police and hospital authorities, noting confusion caused by the Head of Department, MSVP, and Principal during the investigation.

The incident, which occurred on the night of August 8, 2023, sparked widespread protests and a massive investigation. The victim, known as 'Abhaya' in the media, was found dead the following morning.