Former BCCI president Sueav Ganguly was interviewed by the media. The former Indian cricket team spokesperson faced backlash for his comments on women's safety in Kolkata amid protests demanding justice for a trainee doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Hospital. (Image source: PTI)
Sourav Ganguly came under severe criticism after his comments on security and law and order in Kolkata amid protests demanding justice for a trainee doctor who was raped and murdered.
Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly has changed his profile picture on his social media account to black, joining thousands of social media users in doing so to express his condolences over being raped RG Kar Medical In solidarity with the hospital and intern doctors at the hospital were murdered.
As protests continue across the country demanding justice for the late intern doctor, a separate online movement has begun urging people to change their display pictures (DP in tech parlance) to black.
Ganguly's move comes days after his comments on the security situation in Kolkata drew condemnation from some as he came against the backdrop of the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor.
India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating the case and has arrested one person involved.
“I don't know how what I said last Sunday is to be understood or interpreted. I have said it before, (the crime) is a terrible thing. Now, the CBI (and) police are investigating the matter. What happened is very disgraceful. ,” Ganguly said.
“I hope the CBI, which is investigating the matter, will impose severe punishment once they find the culprit. The punishment should be such that no one dares to commit such a crime again in his life. This is important. The punishment must be severe,” the former the Indian cricket team captain added.
The decorated cricketer had earlier divided the internet when he said in a widely circulated video that the rape and murder of a trainee doctor was a “one-off” incident.
Sourav Ganguly was once the dada of Indian cricket.
He is a symbol of strength and defiance against overwhelming odds… pic.twitter.com/6lQfmTjhCT
— Wolf of Academy Street (@AdiG1993) August 14, 2024
“I don't think everything should be judged based on isolated incidents. There is no room for thinking that everything or everyone is unsafe from this (incident). Incidents like this happen all over the world. The idea that girls are unsafe is wrong “Women are safe not just in West Bengal but all over India. The place where we live is the best place,” Ganguly told reporters at the Biswa-Bengal Convention Center. Judgment based on things.
The remarks triggered a backlash online against the cricketer who led India to the final of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. The now-retired left-handed batsman faced criticism online, forcing him to issue a clarification.
“Dada stood firm against heinous crimes like rape and advocated immediate punishment of the culprits. He also strongly supported the safety of women in the workplace. We stand with the victims and we stand with Dada, the greatest son of Bangladesh and India together.
While some of his fan groups on social media seemed to support him, some social media commentators criticized the batsman's remarks.
“Sadly, SouravGanguly is no longer 'Dada,'” one social media user wrote.
“Sad and shocked to see this brave man who took off his jersey and taught the Indian team to fight in the Lord's balcony, losing his backbone!” he said.
