Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has changed his profile picture on social media platform X to black, showing solidarity with the postgraduate trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. This gesture follows widespread outrage and protests by resident doctors across the country in response to the horrific crime.
Ganguly’s move aligns him with thousands of social media users who have similarly expressed their condemnation of the crime. His support comes after he faced backlash for his initial comments on the incident.
“I am surprised at how my remarks last Sunday were interpreted. I have always condemned such a terrible crime. The CBI and police are investigating, and it is disgraceful what has happened,” Ganguly said. He expressed hope that the culprits will be found and given the harshest punishment to deter future crimes.
Earlier, Ganguly had referred to the crime as an “isolated incident,” suggesting that it should not be used to judge Bengal or the entire country. “We should not judge everything based on an isolated incident. Such tragedies happen worldwide. It is incorrect to generalize that girls are unsafe everywhere. Women are generally safe in West Bengal and across India. We should not judge our safety based on one incident,” he had stated at an event at the Biswa-Bangla Convention Centre. His comments sparked divided reactions online, with some supporting his viewpoint while others criticized him.
In related developments, the Supreme Court is scheduled to begin suo motu hearings on the case on Tuesday, with a bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud placing the matter at the top of the agenda for a 10:30 a.m. hearing.
Nationwide protests by resident doctors have led to significant disruptions in outpatient health services. The victim’s family has expressed a loss of faith in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and has accused the government of attempting to tamper with evidence.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a police civic volunteer as the primary suspect in the case. The investigation was transferred to the CBI following concerns raised by the Calcutta High Court over the state government’s handling of the case.
