Sourav Ganguly modifies X's profile picture in sympathy with the Kolkata rape-murder case

 Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket captain and one of the most respected figures in sports, recently found himself at the heart of a social media controversy following his remarks on a tragic rape-murder case in Kolkata. The case involved a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, and it has triggered widespread outrage and protests across the nation. In response to the backlash, Ganguly changed his social media profile picture on X (formerly Twitter) to black, a gesture that many interpreted as a show of solidarity with the victim and the ongoing protests.

Sourav Ganguly modifies X's profile picture in sympathy with the Kolkata rape-murder case

The horrific crime, which occurred at one of Kolkata's leading medical institutions, has sent shockwaves throughout the country. The brutality of the incident has led to widespread condemnation, sparking large-scale protests from resident doctors and the general public. Social media has become a platform for collective grief, anger, and demands for justice. In a symbolic act of mourning and unity, many users changed their profile pictures to black, echoing the sentiments of a nation in distress.

Amid this wave of national grief and protest, Sourav Ganguly joined thousands of others on social media by changing his profile picture to black. This move was widely seen as a statement of support for the victim and those rallying for justice. Ganguly’s action came after days of intense criticism over his earlier comments on the incident, which many perceived as insensitive.

Ganguly's initial comments about the rape-murder case were made during an event at the Biswa-Bangla Convention Centre. He referred to the crime as an “isolated incident” and suggested that such incidents should not be used to judge the safety of an entire region or country. He remarked, “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 (incident). Such accidents happen all over the world. 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.”

These remarks triggered a polarized response among his followers and the general public. While some people supported Ganguly’s viewpoint, arguing that it is important to view the incident in isolation rather than as a reflection of broader societal issues, others strongly disagreed. Critics accused Ganguly of minimizing the seriousness of the crime and failing to acknowledge the widespread issues of safety and gender-based violence that persist in India.

In the wake of the backlash, Ganguly offered a clarification, stressing that his comments were not meant to downplay the severity of the crime. He expressed deep sorrow over the incident and reiterated his hope that the perpetrators would be swiftly brought to justice. Ganguly stated, “I don’t know how what I said last Sunday was construed or interpreted. I have said it earlier as well that (the crime) it’s a terrible thing. Now, the CBI (and the) police are investigating the matter. It’s very shameful what has happened.” He added that he hoped the investigating agencies would ensure the harshest punishment for the criminals, to serve as a deterrent against future crimes.

Ganguly’s response to the incident and the subsequent criticism reflects the delicate balance public figures must maintain when commenting on sensitive issues. His gesture of changing his profile picture to black was a powerful symbol of solidarity, but it also served as a reminder of the intense scrutiny that comes with public life. As the nation continues to grapple with the horror of this crime, Ganguly’s actions and words underscore the importance of empathy and careful communication in times of national tragedy.