A police volunteer in India has been found guilty of raping and murdering a trainee doctor, a crime that led to widespread protests across the country last year. The judge, Anirban Das, will announce the sentence for Sanjay Roy, 33, on Monday. The punishment could range from life in prison to the death penalty.
The tragedy occurred last August when a 31-year-old trainee doctor was discovered dead in a lecture hall at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Authorities reported that she had gone there to rest during her night shift when the attack took place. An autopsy revealed she had been raped and assaulted before her death, and it appeared she fought back against her attacker.
Roy was arrested within a day of the crime but faced delays before being officially charged nearly two months later. During the trial, which was expedited due to public pressure, he maintained his innocence, claiming he was not guilty of the accusations against him.
The incident reignited concerns about violence against women in India. Medical students and doctors organized protests nationwide, calling for justice for the victim and improved security in hospitals. Thousands of women participated in marches demanding justice, with some calling for the death penalty for Roy.
This crime is part of a larger pattern of rising sexual violence against women in India. In response, the Supreme Court established a national task force to enhance safety measures in government hospitals. Many crimes against women go unreported due to societal stigma and mistrust in law enforcement, especially in rural areas, where victims often face community backlash.
The number of reported rapes has increased significantly. In 2022, 31,516 rape cases were recorded by the police, a 20% rise from the previous year.
This issue is not new; the gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old student in New Delhi in 2012 prompted nationwide protests and led to stricter laws regarding sexual violence, including harsher penalties and the establishment of fast-track courts for rape cases.
Despite progress, the fight for women’s safety and justice continues in India, highlighting the urgent need for change.
Check out this related article: Shocking Verdict: Indian Court Convicts Police Volunteer for the Rape and Murder of Trainee Doctor
Source linkIndia, Sexual Assault
