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In a significant development, the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday accepted the petition of Sanjay Roy, the civic volunteer convicted in the sensational RG Kar rape and murder case, challenging the lower court’s verdict that sentenced him to life imprisonment. In his petition, Sanjay directly challenged both the CBI probe and the Sealdah court trial alleging that the entire case against him is built on mere assumptions rather than solid evidence.

 

Claiming to be innocent, Sanjay alleged in his petition that the investigators wrongly concluded that he alone had access to the 'scene of the crime'.

 

His petition mentions that the investigating agency’s finding is baseless highlighting the presence of multiple access points to the third-floor crime scene of the hospital, which include routes from the staff room and the public lift. Sanjay’s lawyer argued that the CCTV footage used in the trial showed Sanjay on the third floor but it failed to establish any direct link between him and the incident.

 

The petition also questions the fairness of the trial and raises concerns about key aspects of the investigation. The convict’s lawyer pointed out that the headphones allegedly found at the scene were linked to Sanjay’s phone, but claimed that the phone was already in police custody before the seizure was recorded. Additionally, the lawyer noted that no biological evidence was collected from the crime scene.

 

Also read: Cal HC dismisses pleas, allows SSC selection process

 

Significantly, even the victim’s parents expressed concerns that several others might be involved in the case and believe Sanjay’s cooperation could be vital in identifying the rest.

 

In a parallel development, the CBI on Wednesday submitted a petition seeking the death sentence for Sanjay. A division bench comprising Justice Debangshu Basak and Justice Mohammad Shabbar Rashidi ordered that both the CBI’s plea and Sanjay's acquittal petition will be heard together in September.

 

The case has stirred considerable public attention due to the alleged procedural lapses and the high-profile nature of the crime. All eyes are now on the Calcutta High Court as it prepares to hear both sides.