SUB-HEADING: "'Several others still free': RG Kar rape-murder victim parents ahead of court verdict tomorrow."
SUB-HEADING: "Ahead of the verdict in the high-profile RG Kar hospital rape-murder case, the victim's parents believe that the investigation is incomplete since other perpetrators remain free. They express frustration with the investigation process and seek justice for their daughter, who was murdered last year."
GIST: Ahead of the Kolkata court's decision in the RG Kar hospital rape-murder case, the victim's parents have raised concerns that the investigation remains incomplete, with other perpetrators still at large.
The body of the victim, a doctor, was discovered in a seminar room at the state-run hospital on August 9 last year, sparking nationwide protests.
Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police was arrested the day after the crime and charged with the murder.
As the trial concluded on January 9, the Sealdah court is set to deliver its judgment on Saturday. The victim's mother expressed confidence that Roy would be found guilty, but questioned why others involved in the crime have not been arrested. "Sanjay (Roy) is guilty, and tomorrow's verdict will be against him. But what about other criminals who are still not caught? I can see them roaming freely. I have seen them loitering in the hospital. So, the investigation is half-done," she told PTI.
The mother also pointed out that biological evidence had confirmed Roy’s involvement, but she alleged that the authorities have been protecting others connected to the crime. "All the evidence were either lost or erased. A large number of people were present when (the then) Police Commissioner Vineet Goel visited the crime scene. It was looking like a fish market. Those seen at the crime scene must be punished," she said.
She expressed deep frustration over her daughter’s murder, questioning why her daughter was killed in such a manner and whether she had uncovered something the authorities wanted to hide. Purported photographs showing numerous individuals in the seminar room after the body was found had gone viral. "I am yet to know why my daughter was killed in that fashion. What did she come to know that she was not allowed to live?" the mother said.
The father of the deceased echoed the sentiment, saying he believes others were involved in the crime but have not yet been apprehended. "I do not think Sanjay was alone. There are others who were very much involved in the crime, but they are still free. Hopefully, they will be arrested and their guilt will be proven. Until then, justice is not delivered," the father told PTI.
The parents, while disheartened, have placed their faith in the judiciary and will be present at the court on Saturday for the verdict. If Roy is convicted, he could face either the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Asked about her stance on the punishment, the victim's mother stated that she seeks justice for the guilty, leaving the final decision to the judiciary. "I want punishment for the guilty. The judiciary will decide (on the extent of punishment)," she said. The CBI, which took over the investigation from the Calcutta High Court, has recommended capital punishment for Roy, claiming that he acted alone in the crime.
"We are from a very humble background. We did our best to educate our daughter. She was a talented and intelligent girl. I think we have a long road ahead to get justice," the mother said, adding that her days are being spent crying in front of her daughter's photograph."
The entire story can be read at:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/several-others-still-free-rg-kar-rape-murder-victim-parents-ahead-of-court-verdict-tomorrow/articleshow/117323457.cms
