The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plans to appeal to the Calcutta High Court. They aim to seek the death penalty for Sanjay Roy, who was sentenced to "life imprisonment until death" by a Sealdah court. The CBI received legal advice suggesting that the crime could be categorized as the "rarest of rare," which justifies the death sentence.

Sealdah Court Rejects Death Penalty Request

On Monday, the Sealdah court rejected the CBI's plea for the death penalty. Judge Anirban Das stated that the crime did not meet the "rarest of the rare" criteria. The judge sentenced Roy to life imprisonment, saying, "You will serve this sentence until your last day of life."

The Crime

The incident occurred on August 9, when a trainee doctor was raped and murdered in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. She was attacked while resting during her night shift.

West Bengal Government Challenges the Verdict

The West Bengal government has already appealed the verdict in the high court. They also seek the death penalty for Roy. The CBI opposed the state’s right to appeal, arguing it was the prosecuting agency’s responsibility to do so if the sentence was inadequate.

Next Steps in Court

During Wednesday's hearing, CBI lawyer Rajdeep Majumdar argued against the state's appeal. The Calcutta High Court will hear the matter on January 27. The court will listen to the CBI, the victim’s family, and Roy before making its decision.