Veteran actress and activist Shabana Azmi has voiced her strong condemnation of the horrific rape and murder of a young trainee doctor in Kolkata earlier this month. The shocking incident has sparked widespread outrage across the country, highlighting the persistent issue of violence against women in India. Speaking at an event in Pune, Azmi expressed her deep dismay over the crime, calling for an urgent societal shift in the way women are perceived and treated.
“Such incidents are extremely dangerous,” Azmi said. “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. We should not treat women as commodities… we need to dismantle patriarchy, which is deep-rooted in us.”
Azmi’s powerful words come as a rallying cry for change, urging society to reflect on its deeply entrenched patriarchal attitudes. Her call to action emphasizes the need for both individual and collective efforts to dismantle gender bias and ensure the safety and dignity of women.
The horrifying incident in question involved a trainee doctor whose body was discovered in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The crime has sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting protests and demands for justice. This tragic case is reminiscent of past incidents that have sparked public outrage and raised questions about the effectiveness of measures implemented to protect women.
National Leaders Speak Out
President Droupadi Murmu also voiced her anguish over the rising cases of crimes against women in the wake of the brutal assault in Kolkata. In a heartfelt open letter titled “Women’s Safety: Enough is Enough,” President Murmu called for national introspection to address the roots of violence against women. She expressed concern over the “collective amnesia” that seems to cloud the public’s memory of such crimes, emphasizing the need to confront the grim reality of the situation.
“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,” President Murmu wrote. Her letter stressed the need to honor the memories of victims and urged society to become more vigilant to prevent future atrocities.
President Murmu’s message underscored the harmful mindset that views women as inferior, less capable, and less intelligent than men. She called out the objectification of women as a key factor behind the continued violence, urging for a shift in societal attitudes that uphold gender equality and respect.
A Call for Change
The outcry over the Kolkata doctor’s murder has reignited a national conversation about women’s safety in India. The case serves as a stark reminder that despite various reforms and legal measures, crimes against women continue to be a pervasive issue. The Justice Verma Committee, established in the wake of the Nirbhaya case in 2012, had proposed several recommendations to address gender-based violence. However, the recurrence of such brutal incidents highlights the gaps in implementation and the need for continuous societal education and reform.
As voices like Shabana Azmi and President Murmu rise to demand change, there is a growing consensus that both government and civil society must work together to foster an environment where women are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. The tragic loss of the young doctor in Kolkata should not be in vain but should instead serve as a catalyst for lasting change, prompting action against the deep-rooted patriarchal norms that still plague society.
The nation mourns the loss of a promising life and stands united in the call for justice, hoping that this incident will finally bring about the meaningful change that has long been overdue.