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Kolkata Doctor's Rape and Murder Case: From Kareena Kapoor Khan to Suhana Khan; Bollywood Celebrities Express Outrage
The horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9 has left the entire nation in shock and mourning. As the country grapples with the tragedy, doctors across India have taken to the streets in protest, demanding justice for their colleague. Bollywood celebrities, too, have expressed their deep anguish and anger over the incident, using their social media platforms to voice their condemnation.
Kareena Kapoor Khan: "12 Years Later; the Same Story"
Kareena Kapoor Khan was among the first to speak out against the heinous crime. In a powerful Instagram post, she lamented the lack of progress in protecting women over the years. "12 years later; the same story; the same protest. But we are still waiting for change," Kareena wrote, alluding to the notorious 2012 Nirbhaya case that had similarly shaken the nation. She accompanied her message with hashtags like #KolkataRapeAndMurderCase, #ViolenceAgainstWomen, and #JusticeForWomen, along with a broken heart emoji, symbolizing the collective grief felt by many.
Alia Bhatt: "Another Brutal Rape, Another Reminder"
Alia Bhatt also expressed her outrage, highlighting the persistent danger women face in India. In her social media post, she reflected on the ongoing struggle for women's safety, saying, "Another brutal rape. Another day of realisation that women are not safe, anywhere." Alia's words struck a chord with many, as she reminded the public that despite the outcry following the Nirbhaya case, little has changed to prevent such atrocities.
Preity Zinta: "Time to Prioritize Women's Safety"
Preity Zinta took to her social media to demand greater accountability from the government in ensuring women's safety. "We are the fifth-largest economy in the world. This election saw about 66 per cent voter turnout, with women voters predicted to outnumber men in future elections," she pointed out. Preity emphasized that it is high time for women's safety to be a priority. She also criticized the media's treatment of victims, stating, "It's heartbreaking and disgusting to see a rapist's face hidden/covered when arrested, while victims of rape and violent sexual crime have their names and faces leaked in the media."
Suhana Khan and Navya Naveli Nanda: "Men and Women Need to Unite"
Bollywood actress Suhana Khan and Navya Naveli Nanda, granddaughter of Amitabh Bachchan, also voiced their frustration and anger. Navya shared a poignant message on Instagram, which Suhana reposted, condemning the pervasive mindset that objectifies women. "The times we are out at night or what we wear are NOT signs for anything other than the fact that we have a right to live our life the way we desire," the post read, urging for immediate action to prevent such crimes in the future.
Twinkle Khanna: "Teaching My Daughter the Same Safety Precautions"
Twinkle Khanna expressed her disappointment and concern over the need to teach her daughter the same safety measures she herself was taught as a child. In an emotional Instagram post, she wrote about the harsh reality that women in India still face, where they must constantly be on guard. "Never going alone to public places like parks, schools, or beaches; Avoiding going alone with men, even if they're relatives or friends," Twinkle shared, underscoring the persistent fear that women live with daily.
Yes we need to evolve into a society where we ALL feel equally safe. But that is going to take decades. Itโs going to hopefully happen with sensitizing and empowering our sons and daughters. The next generations will be better. We will get there. Eventually. But what in theโฆ
โ Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) August 15, 2024
Hrithik Roshan: "Justice Must Be Swift and Harsh"
Hrithik Roshan also weighed in on the tragedy, emphasizing the need for swift and severe punishment for the perpetrators. In a post on his X account (formerly Twitter), Hrithik wrote, "Yes, we need to evolve into a society where we ALL feel equally safe. But that is going to take decades." He called for harsh penalties that would serve as a deterrent, stating, "The only way to do that is a punishment so harsh that it scares the living daylights out of such perpetrators."
Kriti Sanon: "Are We Really Free?"
Kriti Sanon, too, expressed her dismay over the incident, questioning whether women in India are truly free if their basic safety cannot be guaranteed. "It breaks my heart to see the terrifying reality that women are still not Safe in their own country," she wrote. Kriti called for faster justice and severe punishments for such crimes, stressing the importance of better upbringing to instill respect for women.
The outcry from Bollywood stars echoed the sentiments of many across the country. Protests erupted in cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, with demonstrators demanding justice for the slain doctor. Holding placards that read, "Justice needs to be served," and "Justice delayed is justice denied," the protestors highlighted the urgent need for systemic change.
The collective voices of Bollywood celebrities and the ongoing protests serve as a reminder that the fight for women's safety in India is far from over. As the nation mourns the loss of yet another young woman to a horrific crime, the demand for justice and change grows louder.
- PTC PUNJABI
