Sourav Ganguly, daughter join candlelight protest against rape-murder of Kolkata trainee doctor

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly joined his daughter Sana Ganguly and wife Dona Ganguly in a candlelight protest in Kolkata on Wednesday, demanding justice for the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. The protest was conducted by the dance school of Ganguly’s wife, Diksha Manjari. Ganguly and his daughter lit candles at the college on Wednesday evening, after the former cricketer had missed the protest in the morning.

“We want justice, whatever it takes to get it," Sana told reporters on Wednesday. Dona Ganguly, wife of Sourav, also took part in the protest. She stressed on the need for a safe society for women. “We are protesting against rape. We need a safe society. Rape needs to stop," she said.

A 31 year-old female trainee doctor who was working at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, was raped and murdered on 9 August at the hospital. The incident caused controversy among the public, and doctors across India have since protested against the crime by conducting candlelight marches, while demanding justice. Some doctors have even refused to treat non-emergency patients since the time the incident shook the country.

Sanjay Roy, accused in the case, was arrested last week. Sanjay, a civic volunteer, had reportedly entered a red light area in Sonagachi, Kolkata on 8 August. He had consumed alcohol and even visited two brothels.

Earlier on Wednesday, other notable sportspersons including Soma Biswas, Dibyendu Barua and Bula Choudhury joined the protest in Kolkata. Supporters of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, two iconic football clubs in Kolkata, put their rivalries aside on Sunday and joined hands for a noble cause, as they protested outside the Salt Lake Stadium. The Kolkata Derby in the Durand Cup was scheduled to take place on 18 August in Kolkata but was cancelled due to security concerns. The two teams shared a point each.