Indian court’s ruling in rape, murder of junior doctor prompts more questions, dismay

More individuals should have been questioned in the case while working conditions in India’s hospitals remain abysmal, analysts say

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Protestors in Kolkata demand further investigation after a court sentenced Sanjay Roy, a police volunteer, to life in prison in the rape and killing of trainee doctor last year. Photo: AP

Published: 7:00pm, 21 Jan 2025

The life imprisonment sentence imposed on the sole suspect in the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in the Indian city of Kolkata has disappointed analysts who have questioned the case and called for improvements in the healthcare industry.

They say other individuals apart from convicted hospital volunteer worker Sanjay Roy should have been questioned and that the medical fraternity’s working conditions in Kolkata and elsewhere in India remain abysmal.

The ruling by a court in Kolkata on Monday came after massive protests over the case erupted in the city last August, which threatened to derail the West Bengal state government of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also a senior opposition leader at the federal level. The horrific case also sparked candlelight vigils in other cities in India and overseas, from London to New York.

“I am very disappointed and disillusioned as a citizen. Morality is defeated and our belief that the justice system prevails is affected,” said Debanjana Chakravarti, an associate professor at Bhawanipur Education Society College in Kolkata, adding that Roy should have been meted the harshest sentence. A person who is convicted of murder in India could face the death sentence.

The case has raised questions about medical professionals working in overstretched state-run hospitals – some of which only have temporary restrooms – similar to the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital where the victim had worked for long hours without breaks.

“The conditions of government hospitals are unthinkable. You don’t have washrooms, don’t have basic infrastructure. How can you expect people to work for 36-48 hours?” Chakravarti said.