The parents of the woman doctor from R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, who was raped and murdered on the hospital premises in August 2024, have called for accountability for all individuals involved in the crime, not just the sole convict, Sanjay Roy.

Speaking to the media on Monday, the victim’s father said they were not currently seeking capital punishment for Roy. “We want the names of all those responsible for my daughter’s death to come to light. The highest punishment should be given to all involved, not just Sanjay Roy. Further details will be explained by our counsel,” he said.

The remarks followed the conclusion of a hearing before the division bench of the Calcutta High Court on two separate petitions filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the West Bengal government. Both petitions seek the death penalty for Roy.

The bench, comprising Justice Debangshu Basak and Justice Shabbar Rashidi, has reserved its judgment on whether both petitions will be admitted or if one will proceed.

Shamim Ahmed, the counsel for the victim’s parents, expressed their dissatisfaction with the progress of the CBI’s investigation. “The victim’s parents believe that the true masterminds behind the crime have not yet been identified, which is why they are not currently seeking the death penalty for Sanjay Roy,” Ahmed said.

Last week a special court in Kolkata sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment. However, both the CBI and the state government approached the Calcutta High Court challenging the special court order and seeking the death penalty for the sole convict.

–IANS