Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case: Bollywood celebrities expressed their anger and frustration over the ongoing issue of women’s safety in India, using powerful words to voice their concerns.

Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case: Following the gruesome rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Bollywood actors have expressed their support and outrage. Bollywood celebrities like Genelia Deshmukh, Ayushmann Khurrana, Richa Chadha, Navya Naveli Nanda, Zoya Akhtar and others vented their rage against the lack of women’s safety in the country in poignant words and demanded capital punishment.

Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, refers to the legal process where an individual is sentenced to death by a court of law as a punishment for a crime.

Ayushmann Khurrana, known for his poetic skills, wrote an emotional poem titled Kaash Main Bhi Ladka Hoti (I wish I were a boy) and shared a video on Instagram where he can be seen reciting the poem. An excerpt from the poem reads, “Main bhi bina Kundi lagakar soti, Kaash main bhi ladka hoti, Jhalli banke daudti udti, Saari raat doston ke saath phirti, Kaash main bhi ladka hoti…” (I would sleep without locking the door, I wish I were a boy. Carefree, I would run and fly, Roaming with friends all night, I wish I were a boy…)”

Genelia Deshmukh has been particularly vocal, advocating for capital punishment for those responsible. On her X (formerly Twitter) account, Deshmukh wrote, “Monsters need to be hanged!!! Just reading what the victim went through sent chills up my spine. A woman, a lifesaver who was on duty faced this horror in the seminar hall. My heart goes out to the family and her loved ones – can’t even imagine how they are facing this tragedy.”

Hrithik Roshan expressed his deep anger and concern on social media. On his X account, Roshan wrote, “Yes we need to evolve into a society where we ALL feel equally safe. But that is going to take decades. It’s going to hopefully happen with sensitizing and empowering our sons and daughters. The next generations will be better.” “We will get there. Eventually. But what in the interim? Right now justice would be to put a hard stop to such atrocities. And the only way to do that is a punishment so harsh that it scares the living daylights out of such perpetrators. That’s what we need. Perhaps? I stand with the victim’s family in seeking justice for their daughter and I stand with all the Doctors that were attacked last night,” his post further read.

Kareena Kapoor Khan condemned the gruesome rape and murder of the trainee doctor in Kolkata. Taking to Instagram, Kareena wrote, “12 years later; the same story; the same protest. But we are still waiting for change.”

Preity Zinta penned a note expressing outrage over the shocking incident. “We are the fifth-largest economy in the world. This election saw about 66 per cent voter turnout, with women voters predicted to outnumber men in future elections,” she began. “It’s time Women’s safety is prioritized by the government,” Preity raised her concern over the safety of women. It’s heartbreaking and disgusting to see a rapist’s face hidden/covered when arressted, while victims of rape and violent sexual crime have their names and faces leaked in the media. Justice is never swift, punishment is never severe and people are never held accountable. I am sorry to every girl that has been wronged. I’m sorry I didn’t fight hard enough for you in the past. BUT NOT ANYMORE!” she wrote, emphasising that collective action is crucial for change.

The post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The family has alleged that the victim was raped and murdered. In a strong display of support, doctors across the nation continue to protest over the murder and alleged sexual assault of a post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor, demanding justice for the victim. The protests were held in the cities of Kolkata, Guwahati, Hyderabad and Mumbai on Wednesday. The protestors were holding placards saying, “Justice needs to be served,” “No duty without security” and “Justice delayed is justice denied.”