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A court in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district on Thursday (September 24, 2026) awarded a death sentence to a man convicted of killing his wife while issuing directions to the District Magistrate to ensure the education and well-being of two of his minor children.

Srikanta Roy killed his wife Soma Roy, who was living with another person, on January 24, 2026.

Additional Sessions Judge, Jalpaiguri, Biplab Roy, convicted Srikanta of murder, emphasising the gruesome nature of the crime the judge called it the “rarest of rare” and sentenced the convict to death.

However, observing that under the Indian jurisprudence a convict’s minor child possesses an absolute, independent and fundamental right to education that cannot be diminished or penalised due to his parent’s conviction or imprisonment for life, the judge said that the sins of the parent cannot affect the two children and the State must protect their educational future.

During the trial, Srikanta’s lawyer had sought for liniency arguing that he had to look after his two minor children.

The court directed the District Magistrate, Jalpaiguri, to make the necessary arrangements, with the help of the district’s Social Welfare Department and in consultation with the District Legal Services Authority, Jalpaiguri, for the admission of the minor children to appropriate schools with hostel facilities.

In his order, the judge said that the State shall pay for the fooding, lodging, and education of the two children.

In the series of directives issued to the district administration, the judge said that the responsibility of the District Magistrate, Jalpaiguri, shall not end when the minors turn 14, and the assistance shall continue till they turn 21. The State will continue to provide free education and take proper care of their physical and mental health till then.

Published – September 25, 2026 11:15 am IST