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Attack on Actress Highlights Growing Tensions in Kolkata
Bengali actress Payel Mukherjee was attacked recently while driving on Southern Avenue in Kolkata by a motorcycle-riding assailant who shattered her car window. The incident left Mukherjee shaken, prompting her to share a live video on social media, detailing her traumatic experience. In her emotional account, she described the shock and fear she felt during the unprovoked attack, wiping away tears while displaying the shattered glass from her vehicle.
The Broader Context of Violence Against Women
This attack occurs against a backdrop of increasing unrest in Kolkata, where public outrage has surged following the brutal rape and murder of a woman doctor on August 9 at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital (RGKMCH). In the wake of this tragedy, citizens have taken to the streets, demanding justice and enhanced safety protocols for women in the city. The reaction has been characterized by widespread protests, urging authorities to implement immediate reforms to improve security.
Protests and Public Figures Unite
The protests have attracted a diverse group of participants, including notable figures from various spheres. Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, facing criticism for earlier downplaying the RGKMCH incident as a “stray incident,” recently participated in a candlelight vigil alongside his daughter. This move signals a shift in attitude, aligning him with the growing demand for accountability and action.
Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has also been vocal during the protests, expressing his concerns about the deterioration of law and order in West Bengal. Agnihotri emphasized that “rape has been used as a political weapon” and called for a transformation of the current system that seems to enable such violence.
Support from the Arts Community
The Bengali film and music communities have shown significant solidarity in these protests. Renowned actors such as Kaushik Sen, Saswata Chatterjee, Paoli Dam, and Churni Ganguly have openly participated, voicing their support for the victims. Musical artists like Imon Chakraborty, Rupam Islam, and Mir Afsar Ali have also joined the rallies, reinforcing the collective demand for justice and safety for women.
Director Srijit Mukherjee articulated a personal connection to the issue, referencing his mother’s profession as a doctor. He stated, “My mother is a doctor… that is why it is personal for me,” stressing the critical need for enhanced safety measures on campuses to protect those dedicated to serving their communities.
As Kolkata grapples with these incidents and the protests continue to grow, the call for change echoes more loudly than ever, underscoring a societal demand for justice and the protection of women’s rights.
Source
www.news18.com