The junior doctors who have been protesting against the rape and murder of the trainee woman doctor at the state-run R G Kar Hospital in Kolkata, have expressed dissatisfaction over the trial court’s verdict convicting Sanjoy Roy on Saturday. Citing “unresolved” questions and a lack of action against other potential suspects, the junior doctors said they would continue their fight for justice.
The junior doctors demanded a thorough investigation into all aspects of the case, including the motive and the potential involvement of other individuals.
Dr Aniket Mahato, a prominent figure in the protest movement, said, “This is merely the first step. Many questions remain unanswered,” pointing to the lack of action against individuals allegedly involved in tampering with evidence. He also questioned why those individuals remain out on bail.
The CBI, which took over the probe on the directives of the Calcutta High Court, had earlier booked former principal of RG Kar hospital, Sandip Ghosh for allegedly tampering with evidence. The local SHO, Abhijit Mondal, was also booked for delay in registering the rape-murder FIR. However, both were granted bail after the CBI failed to submit chargesheet against them within the stipulated 90 days’ period.
Echoing similar concerns, Dr Somyadeep Roy said, “Without explaining the motive behind the crime, the investigation remains unclear.”
He accused the CBI for failing to investigate beyond the initial scope of the Kolkata Police investigation, “despite the CSFL report suggesting otherwise”.
Pointing to the CFSL report, Dr Asfaqullah Naiya highlighted the “inconsistencies” in the evidence. “The CFSL report indicated that the crime could have been committed elsewhere,” he said, adding that the CCTV footage showed multiple individuals, but only one was identified.
“One person is found guilty and court proceedings will continue… in CCTV cameras multiple people were seen but only one could be identified. So many questions are still unanswered and our fight for the same will continue,” the junior doctor further added.
TMC demands death penalty: ‘Will act as deterrent’
The ruling TMC on Saturday demanded death penalty for Sanjoy Roy, convicted of rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar hospital, emphasising the need for a strong deterrent against such crimes.
Welcoming the conviction but strongly advocated for the harshest punishment to be meted out to Roy, senior TMC MP Sougata Roy called for the death penalty, asserting that such a step would serve as a deterrent. “This will not only serve as a warning to others who think they can get away with lawlessness but also restore people’s faith in the system,” he said.
Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh criticised the Opposition for politicising the incident. “We condemned the crime from the very beginning. The CM demanded death penalty. Despite baseless allegations, Kolkata Police arrested the perpetrator within 24 hours,” Ghosh said, adding that similar cases had resulted in capital punishment for the accused.
Adhikari welcomes verdict: ‘Probe into larger conspiracy allegations’
Leader of Opposition in Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday welcomed the court’s verdict declaring Sanjay Roy “guilty” of raping and murdering an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar hospital, but called for further probe into the larger conspiracy allegations raised by the victim’s parents.
The Sealdah court, where Roy’s trial was held, will announce the sentence on Monday.
“We welcome the judgment. But would have been happier if the former principal of R G Kar hospital, Sandip Ghosh, and former Kolkata police commissioner Vineet Goyal were also punished today. The allegations of a bigger conspiracy leveled by the parents and junior doctors must be looked into…,” Adhikari said.
-with PTI