Sanjoy Roy, prime accused in the Kolkata rape and murder case, had a violent and abusive past

Sanjoy Roy, accused in doctor's rape and murder, had history of violence and abuse, enjoyed perks not available for rank.

Sanjoy Roy, prime accused in the rape and murder of a doctor at the R.G. Kar College and Hospital, has a history of violence and abuse, according to his estranged family members and neighbours. Early investigations also show that he was a civic police volunteer who enjoyed perks not available for his rank, possibly indicating the patronage of a senior officer or politician.

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed a Kolkata Court to pass an order by 5 p.m. on Friday on the Central Bureau of Investigation’s application to conduct a polygraph test on the 35-year-old accused. The CBI has already conducted psychological tests on Mr. Roy, who was arrested on August 10, one day after the crime came to light, and handed over to the Central agency on August 14.

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The prime accused had initially joined the Kolkata Police’s Disaster Management Group as a civic volunteer in 2019. But he is said to have used his “connections” to later join the Kolkata Police’s Welfare Cell. He was a contractual worker but lived in the Kolkata Police’s 4th Battalion housing complex, which is unprecedented for a civic volunteer.  

Pictures have also surfaced online, showing Mr. Roy on an official Kolkata Police bike with a “police” sticker. Reports suggest that he used to get an allowance for five litres of government sponsored fuel per day for his bike. Both these amenities are only available for permanent police staff and not anyone of Mr. Roy’s designation. The bike was seized on August 12. 

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Mr. Roy was assigned to the police outpost near the R.G. Kar Hospital, which gave him easy access to the hospital premises and various departments. Further investigation revealed that he was part of the 14-member Police Welfare Board and his “dislike” of police officers could lead to their transfer.