R G Kar rape and murder case: I have three daughters, can understand the pain, says Sanjoy Roy’s mother after his conviction

Sanjoy Roy’s mother and sister did not visit him while he was in custody during the trial.

Written by Ravik Bhattacharya

Kolkata | Updated: January 19, 2025 05:04 PM IST

3 min read

R G Kar rape-muder case convict Sanjay Roy at the Seldah court in Kolkata on Saturday. (Express Photo)

Sitting near the door to her home in Sambhunath Pandit Lane, some 6 km from the Sealdah court, Malati Roy had been waiting for the verdict in the R G Kar Hospital rape-murder case in which her son Sanjoy Roy was the accused.

Told that he had been found guilty by the court, Malati said, “I have three daughters, I understand their (the victim’s parents) pain. … Let him get any punishment he deserves. Even if the court says hang him, I will accept it.”

Roy’s sister Sabita, who lives down the lane, said, “What my brother has done is something unthinkable and horrific. My heart breaks saying this but he should get the ultimate punishment if he has done it. The victim was a woman like me, and a doctor.”

Roy’s mother and sister did not visit him while he was in custody during the trial.

ALSO READ | A murder, a movement, and the search for justice: A timeline of events in the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case

Kolkata Police arrested Roy on August 10, a day after the rape and murder of the junior doctor.

He was arrested from the barracks of a Kolkata armed police battalion – a former boxer, he became a civic volunteer in 2019.

After the CBI took over the case, Roy was questioned by the agency and later sent to judicial custody.

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Since the day Roy, was arrested, life has not been the same for his mother and his sister who lives about a minutes walk on the same lane.

Scenes outside the Sealdah court on Saturday during the hearing of the RG Kar rape and murder case. (Express Photo: Partha Paul)

“However I believe he cannot have done it alone. They say he was even drunk,” said Sabita who is married to a school teacher.

“Since the day my brother was arrested. Didn’t step out of home. People are talking so much bad things about our family in my neighbourhood. Every Saturday I used to go to a local temple. I have stopped that too,” added Sabita near her home in the same lane about a min walk away.

“Since the day my brother got arrested I had to hear so much even from my in laws,” said Sabita.

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Sanjay has two elder sister and younger sister who all are married and live with their husbands. Another sister died years back.

Once married, Sanjay’s wife left him with complaints of domestic violence and later died of illness. Sanjay used to live with his mother, who are his arrest is being financially supported by his sisters.

Ravik Bhattacharya

Ravik Bhattacharya is a highly experienced and award-winning journalist currently serving as the Chief of Bureau of The Indian Express, Kolkata. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Ravik possesses deep expertise across a wide range of critical subjects and geographical areas. Experience & Authority Current Role: Chief of Bureau, The Indian Express, Kolkata. Expertise: Extensive reporting across West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and the Andaman Nicobar Islands. Ravik specializes in politics, crime, major incidents and issues, and investigative stories, demonstrating a robust command of complex and sensitive subjects. Experience: His long and distinguished career includes key reporting roles at several prestigious publications, including The Asian Age, The Statesman, The Telegraph, and The Hindustan Times. Ravik's current role marks his second stint with The Indian Express, having previously served as a Principal Correspondent in the Kolkata bureau from 2005 to 2010. Major Award: Ravik's authority and quality of work are substantiated by his winning of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award in 2007 for Political Reporting. Education: His strong academic foundation includes a Bachelor's degree with English Honours from Scottish Church College under Calcutta University, and a PG Diploma in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Ravik Bhattacharya's extensive tenure, specialized beat coverage, and notable award confirm his status as a trusted and authoritative voice in Indian journalism, particularly for stories emanating from Eastern India. ... Read More

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