Kolkata trainee doctor’s rape-murder: Alia Bhatt, Parineeti Chopra, Vijay Varma, Ayushmann Khurrana and others demand justice

India is reeling from shock and outrage following the horrific rape and murder of a young trainee doctor in Kolkata. The tragedy, which took place at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, has sparked a nationwide uproar, with students, activists, politicians, and celebrities expressing their anger and frustration over the dire state of women’s safety in the country.

The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for systemic change in protecting women, regardless of their societal roles. The victim, a post-graduate trainee doctor, was found dead inside the hospital on August 9, triggering protests across the country.

Social media has been flooded with calls for justice. Among the most vocal was actress Alia Bhatt. She shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, calling for immediate action. In the series of pages of the post, one remarked, "Don't tell women to change their path - change the terrain. Every woman deserves better.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alia Bhatt (@aliaabhatt)

Richa Chadha took to Twitter to urge West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to ensure a swift and fair investigation. “The women of this country expect a fair and impartial investigation from you @MamataOfficial, and swift justice. You’re the only woman currently to occupy the post of Chief Minister,” she tweeted, using the hashtag #JusticeForMoumita.

The women of this country expect a fair and impartial investigation from you @MamataOfficial , and swift justice.
You’re the only woman currently to occupy the post of Chief Minister. #JusticeForMoumita

We are watching you.

— RichaChadha (@RichaChadha) August 14, 2024

Actor Swara Bhasker expressed her outrage in a tweet that reflected widespread anger. "The rape and murder of the resident doctor in #Kolkata is gruesome & horrifying," Bhasker wrote. "It’s a painful reminder that India is no country for women... The accused must be put on trial and justice must be served speedily." She also said, "abject lapse on the part of hospital authorities and infrastructure," emphasizing how the crime shows broader systemic issues.

The rape and murder of the resident doctor in #Kolkata is gruesome & horrifying & and harsh reminder of how we as a society treat women no matter if they are the ones who will treat and save us should the need arise! Also abject lapse on the part of hospital authorities &…

— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) August 13, 2024

The uproar intensified after the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) amidst concerns about the fairness of the initial probe by Kolkata Police. This legal development further fueled calls for justice from various public figures.

Bollywood actors Vijay Varma, Parineeti chopra and Ayushmann Khurrana joined the chorus of voices demanding accountability and justice for the victim.

Vijay Varma posted a video on Instagram urging authorities to "protect our protectors," while also drawing attention to the disturbing details of the case in a separate post.

Parineeti Chopra, too, expressed her fury, sharing posts on her Instagram story that starkly described the brutality of the crime. "If it’s too difficult for you to read, imagine what it was for her. Disgusting. Horrific. Hang him by his b***s," she wrote.

Ayushmann Khurrana, who has consistently used his platform to speak on social issues, contributed a powerful video on Instagram and shared a post on his story regarding the issue. In the video, he narrated a poem titled "Kaash Main Bhi Ladka Hoti", which poignantly conveyed the longing of women for the same freedom and safety that men often take for granted.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk)

The tragedy has struck a deep nerve across the nation, and solidarity with the victim and the medical community is growing. Doctors across the country are staging protests, demanding better safety measures for their colleagues, as well as a more thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crime.

The accused, a civic volunteer, was arrested on August 10, and the Calcutta High Court's decision to transfer the case to the CBI has raised hopes that the investigation will be handled with the seriousness it deserves.