Kolkata, Jan 20 (V7N)— The Sealdah Court has sentenced civic volunteer Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment in the controversial RG Kar Hospital rape and murder case. Along with the life sentence, a fine of ₹17 lakh has been imposed on the convict.

The verdict, delivered on Monday, has stirred mixed reactions, as many had anticipated the death penalty given the heinous nature of the crime. However, the court chose life imprisonment, ruling out the death sentence.

The case revolves around the brutal rape and murder of a female doctor, whose body was discovered in a seminar hall at RG Kar Hospital in August last year. The incident triggered widespread outrage across West Bengal and other parts of India, with calls for justice and demands for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation.

In addition to the life sentence, the court ordered ₹17 lakh in compensation to be paid to the victim’s family by the state. However, the family has refused to accept the compensation, expressing their dissatisfaction with the verdict and continuing to demand the death penalty for the perpetrator.

Sanjay Roy, the main accused, was charged with the rape and murder. Two others, former hospital principal Sandeep Ghosh and then Officer-in-Charge Abhijit Mondal, were also arrested for allegedly destroying evidence related to the case.

The crime shocked the state, sparking protests and riots, and remains a poignant reminder of the need for systemic changes in ensuring safety and justice.

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