'Real culprits are roaming free': RG Kar murder convict Sanjay Roy claims innocence

Kolkata: The convict in the RG Kar rape and murder case Sanjay Roy, on Saturday claimed in court that he was framed. Roy also alleged that the real culprits behind the crime were roaming free.

"I have not done this. Those who have done this are being let go. I have been falsely implicated," he told the court.

"I always wear a chain of rudraksh on my neck. If I committed the crime, my chain would have been broken at the place of occurrence. I can't commit this crime," he added.

However, Justice Anirban Das stated that Roy would have an opportunity to speak before the sentence is pronounced on Monday.

"You will be heard on Monday. Now, I am sending you to judicial custody. Your punishment will be announced on Monday. I have fixed the time at 12:30 to hear you, then will announce the punishment," the judge said.

Verdict delivered

On Saturday, a Kolkata court found Sanjay Roy guilty of the rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The verdict was delivered by the Sealdah court, where Roy's trial took place.

The judgement comes nearly two months after the in-camera trial commenced in November 2024 and 162 days after the crime was committed on 9 August 2024.

Roy was convicted under Sections 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which governs rape, and Sections 66 and 103 (1) of the Act, dealing with punishments for death and murder. Section 103 (1) of the BNS carries a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.

Victim’s family responds

The medic's parents expressed gratitude towards the court for the guilty verdict. They stated that the judgement honoured the trust they had placed in the judicial system. 
(Agency inputs)