The family of a 31-year-old Indian doctor who was brutally murdered by convicted rapist, Sanjoy Roy, has expressed outrage at the life imprisonment sentence handed down to her killer.
They have called for his execution, saying justice has not been served.
Roy’s sentencing on Monday marked the conclusion of a case that sparked nationwide protests and hospital strikes in 2024, highlighting the persistent issue of violence against women in India.
The victim’s family was devastated by the court’s decision, with her father tearfully stating, “We are shocked by the verdict. We will continue our fight, and won’t let investigations stop… Come what may, we will fight for justice.”
In delivering the life sentence, Judge Anirban Das, ruled out the death penalty, stating the crime did not qualify as “the rarest of the rare cases.”
He emphasized that Roy would spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The horrific murder, which occurred at a government hospital in Kolkata in August 2024, led to public outcry.
The trainee doctor’s bloodied body was found on hospital grounds, triggering mass protests by doctors demanding better security and inspiring solidarity marches across the country.
Roy, a 33-year-old civic volunteer at the hospital, was arrested a day after the crime.
Despite his conviction, he maintains his innocence, claiming he was “framed.” His lawyer, Kabita Sarkar, has announced plans to appeal, citing Roy’s alleged mental instability.
Protesters, including doctors and activists, have expressed disappointment with the verdict.
Rimjhim Sinha, a prominent advocate with the “Reclaim the Night” movement, criticized the decision, saying, “It was a diabolical crime, an extreme case of depravity. It is high time that India stem the ever-swelling tide of rape and murder.”
The victim’s family, seated near Roy in court, expressed their frustration, while outside, thousands gathered to demand justice.
Many chanted, “Hang him, hang him,” echoing the sentiment that only capital punishment could adequately address the brutality of the crime.
Aniket Mahato, a representative of junior doctors who had staged prolonged strikes for better workplace security, also voiced dissatisfaction, stating, “Justice was not delivered.”
The case has drawn parallels to the 2012 Delhi bus gang rape and murder, which similarly sparked widespread protests and demands for systemic change.
While India still imposes the death penalty, executions remain rare, with the last carried out in March 2020 against the perpetrators of the 2012 incident.
Despite the sentencing, the victim’s parents remain resolute in their pursuit of justice, vowing to continue their fight against the verdict.
