West Bengal Government Appeals for Death Penalty in RG Kar Rape-Murder Case

In a significant legal development, the West Bengal government has approached the Calcutta High Court’s Division Bench, challenging the trial court’s life imprisonment verdict for Sanjay Roy, the convict in the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case. Advocate General Kishore Dutta, representing the state, has filed an appeal before the bench of Justice Debangshu Basak, seeking the death penalty for the accused. The next hearing is scheduled for January 27.

The case has drawn widespread attention, with the Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court previously sentencing Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for the heinous crime. Alongside the life sentence, the court imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on the convict. However, the state government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict, arguing that the punishment is inadequate for such a grave offense.

Chief Minister’s Reaction
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee voiced her disappointment over the trial court’s decision, emphasizing the government’s commitment to securing capital punishment in cases of such brutality. Speaking on the matter, she remarked, “We have always demanded the death penalty for the accused in this case. If this case had been under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Police, they would have ensured capital punishment through thorough investigations within a short timeframe.”

The Chief Minister highlighted the efficiency of the Kolkata Police in securing death penalties in similar cases within 54-60 days. She expressed regret that the RG Kar case did not fall directly under their purview, suggesting that the outcome might have been different under their investigation.

Legal Appeal for Capital Punishment
Advocate General Kishore Dutta’s appeal to the High Court is a step toward intensifying the legal battle against the accused. By seeking the death penalty, the state government aims to deliver a stronger message against such crimes and uphold public trust in the justice system. The filing of the appeal has been accepted by the High Court, signaling further legal scrutiny of the case.

Public and Legal Implications
The case has sparked public outrage and renewed discussions about the adequacy of punishments in cases of sexual violence and murder. Activists and citizens have called for stricter penalties to deter such crimes, aligning with the government’s stance on seeking the harshest punishment.

As the case progresses in the High Court, all eyes are on the judiciary’s decision regarding the appeal for the death penalty. The outcome will not only determine the fate of Sanjay Roy but also set a precedent for handling similar cases in the future.

The next hearing on January 27 will be crucial in shaping the course of justice in this landmark case.