January 17, 2025: The much-anticipated verdict in the RG Kar rape and murder case is set to be delivered by a Sealdah court on Saturday, January 18. The case, which centers around the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August last year, has drawn widespread attention and sparked nationwide outrage.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the investigation following an order from the Calcutta High Court, has sought the death penalty for Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with the city police. Roy is accused of committing the heinous crime, which occurred on August 9, 2024, in the hospital's seminar room.

The victim’s father, speaking to reporters, expressed hope for a fair judgment and reiterated the family’s resolve to secure justice for their daughter. He highlighted the challenges the family has faced in their pursuit of accountability and mentioned ongoing legal battles at various levels. "We will get a good judgment after the court looks at and considers everything. The DNA report established the presence of others as well. We are moving courts... We want true justice for my daughter," he said.

The crime, which exposed significant security lapses in government hospitals, triggered massive protests by junior doctors in Kolkata, who demanded justice for the victim and called for stronger safety measures for medical professionals. The incident also ignited a national conversation about the safety of women in public institutions.

During its investigation, the CBI also uncovered alleged financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. A chargesheet filed by the agency named the former principal, Sandip Ghosh, along with Dr. Ashish Kumar Pandey, Biplab Singha, Suman Hazra, and Afsar Ali Khan, among others, for their involvement in financial misconduct. These findings have added another dimension to the already complex case.

As the country awaits the court’s decision, the RG Kar case continues to stand as a chilling reminder of the need for systemic reforms to ensure safety and accountability in public institutions. The verdict is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for the families involved but also for the broader fight against violence and injustice.