Parents of RG Kar Rape-Murder Victim Mark Her 33rd Birthday with Charity, Reject Political Offers
On Monday, the parents of the trainee doctor brutally raped and murdered at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital commemorated what would have been her 33rd birthday, holding steadfast to their hope for justice while rejecting overtures from political parties. The tragic incident, which occurred over two years ago, continues to haunt the family as they await the final legal resolution.
A Life Remembered Through Simple Rituals
Speaking to The Indian Express, the victim's father shared poignant memories of his daughter's humble birthday celebrations. "She didn't like big celebrations. Many doctors and medical representatives would send cakes, but she would never cut any cake before I brought one for her. Since childhood, it was a ritual that she would first cut the cake I brought," he recounted. Her mother added that the young doctor particularly cherished gur er payesh, a traditional rice pudding made with jaggery, which was prepared every year on her birthday.
"If she had been on duty, she would come home and have simple home-cooked food and then on her off, she would order food from some restaurant, and we would enjoy the meal," the father said, highlighting the family's close bond. The parents expressed their grief, noting that "if she were alive today, she would have settled down by now, and we would have had a happy, complete family."
Commemorating Through Acts of Charity
In lieu of traditional celebrations, the parents now honor their daughter's memory through charitable acts. "We distribute saplings as a tribute to her. In the evening, we distribute books and pens to nearly 200 to 250 students of all age groups," the father explained. "My daughter always wanted children to study, so we try to do as much as we can." This initiative reflects the victim's passion for education and community welfare.
Rejecting Political Offers to Focus on Justice
The parents revealed that several political parties, including the BJP, CPI(M), and TMC, have approached them to contest elections. However, they have firmly declined all such offers. "All parties have contacted us, but we are not interested. Our only aim is to get justice for our child. We do not want to politicise the issue. If we join any political party, the main issue of justice will be forgotten. Joining politics was never, and is never, on our minds," the father stated emphatically.
Awaiting Justice After 18 Months
The case dates back to August 9, 2024, when the body of the 32-year-old postgraduate resident doctor was discovered in a seminar room at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Civic volunteer Sanjoy Roy was arrested the following day and convicted by a Sealdah court in January 2025. Despite this, the matter of capital punishment for Roy remains pending before the Calcutta High Court.
"It has been 18 months, and we are still waiting. The matter of capital punishment for convict Sanjoy Roy is pending before the Calcutta High Court. It appears on the list every day, but it does not come up for a hearing," the father lamented, underscoring the delays in the judicial process.
Protests and Community Support
In solidarity with the victim's family, the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum organized a protest gathering demanding justice. Additionally, a torch rally was scheduled to be held from the victim's residence to Tillotama More in Sodepur, highlighting ongoing community efforts to keep the case in public consciousness.
This story, originally reported by Tanusree Bose for The Indian Express, sheds light on the enduring struggle for justice in a high-profile case that has gripped Kolkata and beyond.
