An Indian court has convicted a police volunteer, Sanjay Roy, of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, a case that has drawn national outrage and sparked widespread protests across the country. The 31-year-old physician was attacked on August 9, 2024, at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata while she was on duty, leading to renewed concerns regarding the safety of women in India and the systemic issues surrounding violence against them. Following a fast-tracked trial, the judge stated that the sentencing, which could range from life imprisonment to the death penalty, will be announced on Monday.

The victim was found with multiple injuries in a seminar hall after finishing a long shift. Autopsy results confirmed that she had been raped and strangled, marking a horrifying escalation in the violence faced by women in the country. Roy, who was apprehended the day after the incident, insists on his innocence and claims he is being framed. Initially investigated by local police, the case was transferred to federal authorities amid allegations of mishandling by state officials. This inquiry has drawn significant media attention due to its implications for women's safety in healthcare settings.

In the wake of the incident, mass protests erupted from **doctors, medical students**, and thousands of women across India, calling for justice and improved security measures. Among the demonstrators were those participating in the "Reclaim the Night" marches, which voiced demands for the death penalty against the perpetrator. The events of this case have amplified discussions about rising sexual violence in India, prompting the Supreme Court to establish a task force focused on enhancing safety protocols in government hospitals.

Reports indicate that many cases of violence against women remain unreported in India due to social stigma and a lack of trust in the judicial system. This is particularly evident in rural areas, where victims often face community shaming. The National Crime Records Bureau reported over **31,516** recorded rapes in 2022, reflecting a significant rise in reported cases and highlighting the issues surrounding gender-based violence in the country.

This case mirrors previous high-profile incidents, such as the gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old student in Delhi in 2012, which prompted significant legal reforms and public outrage. Reforms implemented in 2013 included strict penalties for sexual offenses and the establishment of fast-track courts for rape cases, indicating ongoing societal challenges.

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