Man on trial for rape and murder of Indian doctor, claims conspiracy against him

New Delhi — More than three months after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old female doctor in India sparked widespread protests across the country, the trial of the only person accused of the brutal crime began in a special court on Monday. Eastern state of West Bengal. The only suspect in the case is Sanjoy Roy, a volunteer member of the Kolkata Police force and an official officer. accused of rape and murder last week.

If convicted, Roy could face life in prison or the death penalty.

According to Indian media, last week, as he was being taken from court to prison, he shouted from inside the police van, claiming that there was a conspiracy against him and that he was completely innocent. reports.

“I have remained silent until today. But I did not commit the rape and murder. I am intimidated by the government and my own department. They asked me not to say a word. But I am not guilty, they are slandering me.” “To protect the real criminals,” he said.

India shaken by widespread protests and mass attacks doctors strike In August, paramedics walked off the job to demand justice for the young doctor. was found murdered on August 9 in a conference hall at Kolkata’s state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

At the time, authorities said the woman had gone to a conference room to rest during a night shift when she was attacked. An autopsy confirmed that she was sexually assaulted before she was killed. It has also been suggested that he may have resisted the attacker and been tortured before being killed.

In the country, where an average of 90 rapes per day are reported in 2022, according to the latest government data, health officials across the country demanded safer workplaces and citizens also demanded safety for women.

Hearings are being held daily as authorities aim to expedite the high-profile case, with approximately 128 witnesses expected to take the stand during the hearing. The hearing will not be open to the public.

India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also arrested a police officer and hospital director over allegations of tampering with evidence and financial irregularities.

The murder of the doctor has resurfaced the anger that has been boiling over the country’s latest developments regarding women’s safety. 2012 gang rape and murder Image of a young woman traveling around the metropolis on a New Delhi bus.

This brutal attack prompted India’s parliament to pass tougher laws on sexual violence, but there is no evidence that tougher laws have reduced the number of sexual assaults in the country.

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