Kolkata: RG Kar Doctor Rape and Murder Verdict Expected on January 18

The long-awaited verdict in the horrific rape and murder case at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital is set to be delivered on January 18. Judge Anirban Das of Sealdah Court will pronounce the judgment at 2:30 PM, marking the conclusion of a trial that began nearly two months ago. Soon after the brutal crime, the whole country had erupted in anger demanding strictest punishment in such heinous crimes. The trial, which commenced on November 11, 2024, had witnessed high drama both inside and outside the courtroom as accused Sanjoy Roy had cried for innocence, surprising the investigators. After nearly 69 days of proceedings, the court is poised to render its decision, with the main accused, Sanjoy Roy, facing the possibility of the death penalty as demanded by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Legal Battle

The RG Kar incident happened on August 9, 2024, when the body of the young doctor was discovered in the seminar room of the medical college. The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer, on August 10 by Kolkata Police. Amidst growing public outrage, the case was transferred from the Kolkata Police to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court on August 13, seeking a more “thorough and impartial investigation”, following allegations of lapses in police investigation. Kolkata Police had all throughout denied the allegations but never objected to the transfer of the case to the central agency.

Over the course of the trial, the CBI has presented a comprehensive charge sheet, identifying Sanjoy as the primary accused who had “committed the crime of rape and murder”. In total, 52 witnesses have been heard, with the prosecution arguing for the maximum penalty. CBI's lawyer referred to the crime as one of the "rarest of the rare" cases, underscoring the brutality of the assault.

The defence, led by Sanjoy’s legal team, submitted affidavits and engaged in prolonged cross-examinations. However, the victim's family has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the investigation, accusing it of shortcomings and alleging that more individuals may be involved. 

The final hearings took place in a closed-door in camera session on Thursday, with both sides presenting their concluding arguments. “We have come here seeking justice, not just for our loved one, but for all those who suffer in silence. We trust the court will ensure that those responsible face the full force of the law,” said the family’s lawyer. The CBI, for its part, has insisted on the death penalty for Sanjoy Roy, arguing that the case qualifies as one of the most extreme forms of brutality. 

Meanwhile, the victim's family has also approached the Supreme Court to challenge certain aspects of the investigation, claiming that it has not been thorough enough. They believe there may be more individuals involved

Timeline of the RG Kar Case

* August 9, 2024: The body of the young doctor is discovered in the seminar room of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

* August 10, 2024: Civic volunteer Sanjoy Roy is arrested.

* August 13, 2024: The Calcutta High Court transfers the investigation to the CBI.

* October 7, 2024: The CBI files its charge sheet, naming Sanjoy Roy as the prime accused.

* November 4, 2024: Charges are framed against Sanjoy Roy at Shyambazar Court.

* November 11, 2024: The trial begins at Sealdah Court.

* January 9, 2025: The trial concludes; judgment will be delivered on January 18, 2025.