"Punishment, no matter how severe doesn't end crime in total": Bengal Governor CV Bose on RG Kar case verdict
Jan 20, 2025
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], January 20 : West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose stressed that even a severe punishment does not end the crime in total and called for a robust and proactive policy to combat these atrocities.
In a video message in the wake of the RG Kar case verdict, after the accused Sanjay Roy was sentenced to life term, Bose said, "The court's verdict is now loud and clear. That has to be respected in letter and spirit. This is not merely a question of crime and punishment. There is more to it. Punishment, no matter how severe doesn't end the crime in total. The rising incidents of rape, assault and murder are alarming and reflect a deeper societal (sickness). It is imperative that we implement a robust and proactive policy to combat these atrocities."
"And ensure the safety of the women especially in sensitive environments such as medical institutions," he stressed.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday expressed dissatisfaction over the court giving life imprisonment to the convict in the RG Kar hospital rape-murder case and said if the case had been with Kolkata Police, they would have ensured a death penalty.
"I learned about the sentencing from the media. We have always demanded capital punishment and we continue to stand by it. However, this is the court's decision and I can't say much about this. For three other cases, Kolkata police ensured capital punishment through thorough investigations concluded within 54-60 days. This was a serious case. Had it been under our purview, we would have ensured the death penalty long back," CM Mamata said while addressing the media at Malda.
However, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict, calling for a deeper investigation.
Speaking to ANI, Majumdar refrained from commenting against the court's decision. "We wanted the highest punishment (for the convict Sanjay Roy). Being an elected representative, I can't say anything against the court verdict. The public of West Bengal does not believe that only one person is involved in the RG Kar rape-murder case. I think there should be more depth in this, as Sanjay is saying that there were also police and other people involved," the BJP leader said.
The case involves the rape and murder of a trainee doctor whose body was found on August 9 in the hospital's seminar room.
