Kolkata, India – A man accused of the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata has pleaded not guilty, his lawyer revealed on Saturday. The brutal crime, which occurred on August 9, shocked the nation and led to widespread protests against violence targeting women.

Sanjoy Roy, 33, the sole accused in the case, was arrested a day after the crime and has remained in custody since. Appearing before a closed court on Friday, Roy denied the charges, claiming he was being framed. “I am not guilty, your honour. I have been framed,” Roy told the judge, according to his lawyer Sourav Bandyopadhyay.

The victim’s bloodied body was discovered inside the hospital premises, sparking outrage over the lack of safety measures for female healthcare workers. Following the incident, doctors in Kolkata went on strike for weeks, demanding better security in medical institutions. The protests garnered massive support, with tens of thousands across the country joining the call for change.

Court Proceedings and Investigation
The trial, which began on November 11, has already heard evidence from over 50 witnesses. On Friday, Judge Anirban Das subjected Roy to a rigorous six-hour in-camera questioning, during which more than 100 questions were posed. Despite the detailed interrogation, Roy maintained his innocence.

Earlier in November, Roy had shouted his innocence to reporters while being transported in a prison van. If convicted, Roy faces the death penalty, a punishment reserved for the most heinous crimes in India.

National Response
The gruesome nature of the attack drew parallels to the infamous 2012 Delhi bus gang rape and murder case, which had sparked global condemnation and led to major legal reforms in India. Similarly, the murder of the Kolkata doctor has reignited debates about women’s safety and workplace security.

India's Supreme Court has since intervened, directing the formation of a national task force to improve security for healthcare workers. The court described the murder as a crime that had “shocked the conscience of the nation.”

The next hearing in the trial is scheduled for January 2, 2025. Meanwhile, the case continues to be a rallying point for calls to address the persistent issue of violence against women in India.