Reports: Sourav Ganguly to participate in ongoing protests over doctor's rape-murder case in Kolkata

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly is reportedly set to join the ongoing protests in Kolkata, demanding justice for a postgraduate trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage and brought national attention to the issue of women's safety.

The brutal crime has led to massive public protests and online campaigns, with thousands changing their social media profile pictures to black as a symbol of mourning and demand for justice. Ganguly himself has followed suit, changing his profile picture on platform X to black, aligning with the public sentiment.

Ganguly and his wife Dona plan to participate in the protests alongside junior resident doctors according to a report from Times of India.

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Punishment has to be severe: Sourav Ganguly

His involvement comes after initial controversy surrounding his comments on the incident. Initially describing it as a "stray" incident, the former cricketer faced backlash on social media for seemingly downplaying the severity of the crime. In response to the criticism, Ganguly clarified his statements.

"I don’t know how what I said last Sunday was construed or interpreted. I have said earlier as well that [the crime] is a terrible thing. Now the CBI [and the] police are investigating the matter. It’s very shameful what has happened," he said as quoted by TOI.

The former BCCI president further emphasized the need for severe punishment. He believes that the punishment should be so severe that nobody dares to commit a crime like this in their life. 

"I hope that the CBI, who are investigating the matter, once they find the culprit, give strict punishment. The punishment should be such that no one dares to commit such a crime again in their life. That is important. Punishment has to be severe," he added.

Also read: Harbhajan Singh writes open letter to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over Kolkata rape-murder case

The case has also drawn the attention of the Supreme Court, which took it up suo motu, the bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud. The court passed strong observations against the West Bengal government's response, particularly regarding the delay in filing the FIR. A task force has been formed to recommend safety measures for doctors on duty, and the CBI has been asked to file a status report.