“Grave assault on dignity and safety of every woman - Harbhajan Singh seeks justice for Kolkata rape and murder victim in heartfelt open letter
Former India cricketer and Aam Aadmi Party MP Harbhajan Singh has sought justice for the Kolkata rape and murder victim in an open letter written to the West Bengal government, the CBI, and citizens of India. In a two-page letter shared on his official social media handles, Harbhajan has expressed deep pain, anguish, and outrage over the horrific crime.
In an incident that has shocked the entire nation, a 31-year-old trainee doctor was raped and murdered at the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last week. Following the gruesome incident, several protests and candlelight vigils have been held in India, while doctors across the country also observed a one-day strike.
Sharing the open letter on his social media handles, Harbhajan wrote that the need of the hour in the wake of the horrific Kolkata rape and murder case is for systemic change and action by the authorities.
"This unspeakable act of violence, which shook the conscience of all of us, is not just a heinous crime against one individual but a grave assault on the dignity and safety of every woman in our society. It is a reflection of the deeply rooted issues within our society and a blatant reminder of the urgent need for systemic change and action by the authorities," he said.
"The fact that such an atrocity could occur within the premises of a medical institution, a place dedicated to healing and saving lives, is both shocking and unacceptable," the 44-year-old went on to add.
The former India off-spinner also backed the doctors over their ongoing protest, claiming that no concrete action has been taken even after a week of the shocking incident. Admitting that the medical fraternity’s protests have affected the patients, he added that they were left with no option due to lack of action on the part of the authorities.
"Punishment has to be severe" - Sourav Ganguly on Kolkata rape and murder case
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has demanded strict punishment for the culprits in the Kolkata rape and murder case. He stated the punishment should be such that no one dares to commit such a crime again.
"I have said it earlier also, it’s a terrible thing. Now CBI, police are investigating the matter. It’s very shameful what has happened. I hope that CBI, who are investigating the matter, once they find the culprit strict punishment should be given. The punishment should be such that no one dares to commit such crime again in their life. That is important. Punishment has to be severe," Ganguly was quoted as saying by PTI.
Apart from Harbhajan and Ganguly, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah are some of the other Indian cricketers who have expressed shock and despair over the Kolkata rape and murder incident.