RG Kar Rape-Murder Case: CBI Opposes West Bengal Government’s Death Penalty Appeal

Kolkata: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has opposed the West Bengal government’s plea for a death penalty for Sanjay Roy, convicted in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case, during a hearing in the Calcutta High Court.

The state government approached the High Court seeking to enhance the life imprisonment sentence awarded to Roy to the death penalty. The plea was presented before a division bench comprising Justices Debangsu Basak and Md Shabbar Rashidi. Roy was convicted of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata in 2022.

The CBI contended that the central government alone has the authority to challenge the adequacy of sentences in cases investigated by central agencies.

CBI Asserts Jurisdiction Over Sentence Appeals

Quoting the Supreme Court’s rulings, the CBI informed the court, “Only the central government is empowered to file appeals on grounds of inadequacy in sentencing in cases handled by central agencies. The state government lacks jurisdiction in this matter.”

The state’s counsel countered the claim, arguing that the initial FIR was lodged by the state police before the investigation was transferred to the CBI. “Law and order fall under the state’s jurisdiction,” the Advocate General submitted.

Court to Consider Submissions

The High Court stated that submissions from the victim’s family, the CBI, and the convict, Sanjay Roy, will be considered before deciding whether to admit the state government’s appeal. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Monday, January 27.

Background

On January 20, a Kolkata court sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment until death for the rape and murder of the trainee doctor. Additionally, the court imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on the convict.

The case continues to evoke strong public and legal attention, with the debate over the adequacy of sentencing at the center of the ongoing legal battle.