Shabana Azmi has spoken out about the recent brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. Addressing the media after an event in Pune, Azmi expressed deep concern and urged a change in societal attitudes towards women.
Shabana Azmi Slams Patriarchy After Kolkata Doctor’s Rape-Murder
According to the news agency Asian News International, the actor said, "Such incidents are extremely dangerous. It's embarrassing to see that these kinds of heinous acts have not reduced despite the formation of the Justice Verma Committee back in 2012 during the Nirbhaya case."
Azmi emphasised the need to stop treating women as commodities and highlighted the importance of dismantling deeply ingrained patriarchal norms. "We should not treat women as commodities... we need to dismantle patriarchy, which is deep-rooted in us,” she added.
President Murmu's Strong Statement
President Droupadi Murmu also responded to the horrific incident that happened on August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The incident has sparked widespread protests and calls for severe punishment for the perpetrators, as well as demands for improved safety and security.
In her open letter titled "Women's Safety: Enough is Enough," President Murmu expressed anguish over the rise in crimes against women. She called for deep self-introspection and a thorough examination of the roots of this issue. “The time has come not only to face history squarely but also to search within our souls and probe the pathology of crime against women,” she wrote.
President Murmu also expressed concern about the collective amnesia surrounding the issue of criminality against women. Her letter urges society to confront this problem head-on and find ways to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Swara Bhasker Demands Justice for Kolkata Doctor’s Murder
Swara Bhasker had also condemned the incident, calling for the accused to be put on trial. On her official X account, Swara described the incident as a horrifying reminder of how society mistreats women, regardless of their roles in caring for others. "The rape and murder of the resident doctor in Kolkata is gruesome and horrifying and a harsh reminder of how we as a society treat women," she wrote.
Bhasker also criticised the failures of hospital authorities and infrastructure, stating that the incident underscores India’s urgent need for improved safety for women. "It’s a painful reminder that India is no country for women," she added, urging for swift justice and expressing solidarity with protesting doctors.
Many other celebrities and public figures have joined in, voicing their outrage and demanding action. Check out their responses here.
/shethepeople/media/agency_attachments/iUYfaBbcMozaYLoGnoov.png)
/shethepeople/media/member_avatars/4FGyuvwBciC6LndcgpY2.jpeg )
Follow Us/shethepeople/media/post_banners/MGqsFw4ZPBwadNdcUKY0.jpg)