The West Bengal government has filed an appeal with the Calcutta High Court to overturn a life sentence awarded to Sanjay Roy, a police volunteer, in favor of the death penalty. Sanjay Roy was convicted of raping and murdering a junior doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, a heinous crime that occurred in August. The incident provoked widespread public outrage and sparked protests across the nation, demanding enhanced security measures in public hospitals.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her dismay at the life sentence, asserting that the crime qualifies as one of the “rarest of rare” cases deserving capital punishment. The government’s appeal is seen as an effort to align with the public’s sentiment and ensure stricter justice for such brutal acts. The case has once again ignited discussions about the safety of medical professionals and the judicial process in dealing with crimes against women.