Sourav Ganguly joins the candlelight protest against Kolkata rape and murder case

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly joined the ongoing protests in Kolkata along with his wife, Dona Ganguly, and daughter, Sana Ganguly. The horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital in West Bengal have jolted the entire nation. The 31-year-old victim endured the harrowing incident on 9th August. While the CBI investigates the case, country-wide protests are being held, demanding fitting punishment for the culprits. Ganguly earlier found himself in controversy when he referred to the sensitive incident as a “one-off incident.” However, the former BCCI chief has since clarified his stance, terming the rape and murder case ‘absolutely terrible.’

Sourav Ganguly joins the protest against Kolkata rape case 

Sourav Ganguly made his presence felt at the candlelight protest held at his wife, Dona Ganguly’s dance school, Diksha Manjari. The former cricketer, along with his daughter Sana, voiced his support for the cause, demanding justice for the trainee doctor. Ganguly had earlier changed his social media profile photo to pitch black as a gesture of support for the deceased victim. Ganguly was initially reported to have been present at the Kolkata protests on Wednesday morning. However, the cricketer didn’t join the proceedings until the late hours of August 21.

Ganguly's initial reaction to the condemnable case received sharp criticism as he defended the West Bengal government. The former player had described the incident as a ‘stray’ case, appealing that one incident shouldn’t be used to judge the government.

“I don’t think everything should be judged on a stray incident. There is no room to think that everything or everyone is not safe in the state. Such accidents happen all over the world. It is wrong to think that girls are not safe. Not only in West Bengal, but everywhere in India, women are safe. Where we live is the best place. One should not judge by one incident," Ganguly had said previously.

However, Sourav Ganguly was quick to clarify his stance as people expressed their disagreement with his initial, light-handed reaction. Ganguly later, in a conversation, claimed that the RG Kar incident is indeed terrible and that he stands with the people demanding the ‘harshest punishment’ for the perpetrators.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly along with his daughter Sana Ganguly took part in the protest against the rape-murder case at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. pic.twitter.com/RRQoK3ZKuP

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2024

On Wednesday, the Ganguly family offered their respect and support to the deceased doctor. “We want justice, whatever it takes to get it," Sana told reporters on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Dona Ganguly emphasized the need to develop a safe society for women. “We are protesting against rape. We need a safe society. Rape needs to stop," she said.

Earlier on Wednesday, other prominent athletes like Soma Biswas, Dibyendu Barua, and Bula Choudhury participated in the protest in Kolkata. Fans of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan set aside their rivalries on Sunday as they united for the protest outside Salt Lake Stadium. The Kolkata Derby in the Durand Cup, originally set for 18 August in Kolkata, was canceled due to security concerns, with both teams being awarded a point each.