Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case: Sourav Ganguly Leads Candlelight Protest, Demands Justice for Victim

Kolkata: Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly participated in a candlelight protest in Kolkata on Wednesday, calling for justice in the case of a doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered earlier this month at a state-run hospital in the city.

Ganguly was joined by his wife, Odissi dancer Dona Ganguly, and their daughter Sana in the evening rally held in the Behala area, where the family resides. Although Ganguly did not speak to the media, he was seen lighting candles at the conclusion of the march.

Dona Ganguly expressed the protest's purpose, saying, "We are protesting against the rape. It's not just West Bengal; every day, we hear about someone being raped somewhere, and that's not good news. We need a safe society for everyone." Her daughter, Sana, added, "In our society, we are all equal. The protests must continue. She (the victim) must get justice."

Ganguly, who is also a former president of the Indian cricket board, led the march, which saw participation from numerous students. Although he had initially planned to join a rally organized by local sportspersons, he was unable to do so due to not receiving the necessary administrative permission.

The tragic incident that sparked the protest occurred on August 9, when the body of a post-graduate trainee doctor was discovered in the seminar room of RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. The police quickly arrested a civic volunteer in connection with the crime. Subsequently, the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).