Sourav Ganguly clarifies ‘stray incident’ comment, joins online movement for justice in Kolkata trainee doctor case | Off the field News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly has changed his social media profile pictures to black, joining thousands in solidarity with protests demanding justice for a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital who was brutally raped and murdered. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and an online campaign urging people to change their display pictures to black as a mark of protest.
Ganguly’s action comes after comments he made about Kolkata’s security situation were met with controversy.He initially described the crime as an “isolated” incident, leading to a divided reaction on social media and accusations of downplaying the severity of the crime.

On Sunday, Ganguly issued a clarification, stating that his earlier remarks were misinterpreted. He emphasized his deep concern over the incident, particularly as a father of a daughter.
“I don’t know how what I said last Sunday was construed or interpreted. I have said it earlier as well that [the crime] is a terrible thing. Now the CBI [and the] police are investigating the matter. It’s very shameful what has happened,” Ganguly clarified.
He further added, “I hope that the CBI, who are investigating the matter, once they find the culprit, give strict punishment. The punishment should be such that no one dares to commit such a crime again in their life. That is important. Punishment has to be severe.”

Speaking at an event in Kolkata on August 11, Ganguly expressed his horror over the incident. “Very unfortunate. Strict action should be taken. This incident is terrible… Really, really scary… Everything is possible everywhere. So the security system, CCTV cameras should be prepared accordingly. This incident can happen anywhere. Strict action should be taken,” he said.
In a viral video, Ganguly further stated that the incident should not lead to a blanket judgment on the safety of West Bengal or the entire country.
“I don’t think everything should be judged on an isolated incident. There is no room to think that everything or everyone is not safe because of this. Such accidents happen all over the world. So it is wrong to think that girls are not safe. Not only in West Bengal, but everywhere in India, women are safe. Where we live is the best place. One should not judge by one incident,” he said.
These earlier statements did not go down well with the public, especially on social media.