In a landmark ruling, the Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court, led by Additional District and Sessions Judge Anirban Das, has sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court also directed the West Bengal state government to pay a compensation of Rs 17 lakh to the victim`s family, a measure aimed at providing some relief amidst their profound grief.

The crime, which occurred on August 9 last year, ignited unprecedented nationwide protests. Roy, a former civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was found guilty under Sections 64 (rape), 66 (punishment for causing death), and 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The court`s verdict followed an exhaustive trial in which Roy’s defence argued his innocence, claiming he had been falsely implicated. Roy denied all charges, asserting that he had been coerced into confessing.