Once a familiar face zipping across Kolkata on a blue-black bike marked “POLICE,” Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, now lives behind the high walls of the Presidency correctional facility.
Convicted of the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital on the night of August 8, Sanjay’s life took a drastic turn after his guilt was proven in court. The sentence was passed on January 20— life imprisonment.
Nearly four months into his term, Sanjay's once “influential” existence has been replaced with a regimented prison routine. He now resides in Cell No. 6 and has been assigned to garden maintenance— a task that occupies much of his day.
According to jail sources, he earns a daily wage of ₹80, the standard rate for “unskilled” prisoners. His duties also include keeping his cell clean. Prisoners like Sanjay, who receive long-term rigorous imprisonment, are often provided with work to help them pass time and earn a small income.
“While his earnings accumulate in his bank account, he cannot access all of it at once. Jail regulations allow inmates to use 50 per cent of their wages for personal needs; the remainder is either saved or sent to their families with permission,” said a jail official.
Initially, the change in environment hit Sanjay hard. Sources say he was withdrawn, rarely spoke and appeared depressed— perhaps a reflection of losing the influence he once enjoyed.
Outside prison, he had unrestricted access to government hospitals and even used a police bike that didn’t match his rank. His presence in the barracks of the 4th battalion was also unofficial— yet overlooked, owing to his connections.
That lifestyle vanished overnight. Sanjay, once shielded by power, was in custody the day after the crime. Since then, the transition from the B14K barracks to Cell No. 6 has been steep. But with time, he has started adapting. He now talks more, works regularly in the garden and follows the prison schedule.
The jail authorities monitor each inmate for the first three months before assigning further responsibilities based on their behaviour and work ethic. If Sanjay’s conduct continues to improve, he might be reclassified as ‘semi-skilled’ or ‘skilled,’ increasing his daily wage to ₹90 or ₹100 respectively. Good behaviour can also earn a sentence reduction— up to four days per month.
Sanjay’s lawyer had earlier indicated a plan to challenge the verdict in a higher court, but no such move has yet been made. For now, the man who once roamed the city with ease is quietly adjusting to life inside prison walls— tending plants, cleaning his cell and earning his keep one day at a time.
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