The horrific rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata have not only shocked the city but also ignited nationwide outrage and protests. The gruesome incident has brought the issue of sexual violence against women to the forefront, prompting people to take to social media to express their anger and demand justice. Among those raising their voices is a social media influencer who shared a video advising women to include self-defense tools in their shopping list for the upcoming Durga Puja festival.
Influencer Advocates for Women’s Safety
In the video, content creator Shreyasi Biswas suggests that women should carry self-defense items such as pepper spray, an alarm keychain, and a mini knife as a precautionary measure. Her video, which has garnered over 7.6 lakh views and nearly 74,000 likes, highlights the growing concern over women’s safety in Kolkata.
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“Never thought I would ever have to make a video on women’s safety staying in Kolkata!! Our safety is so vulnerable and endangered in a system like this that women need to take care of their own, be alert in their workplaces, and must carry self-defense tools all the time in their bag!!” Biswas captioned the video.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
The video has sparked a wide range of reactions from Instagram users. Some viewers expressed their agreement and shared their concerns about the state of women’s safety in Kolkata. One user commented, “Still you can’t defend yourself if five men attack you… It’s the psychology and mindset on which education should be provided to both genders!” Another added, “Didi, this is so sad, but every Bengali woman has this one thing in mind right now. Kolkata is no longer safe for women.”
Others echoed the sentiment, with one person stating, “After the Kolkata incident, even a millisecond of eye contact with a stranger creates tension in my mind.” However, not all reactions were supportive. Some users criticized the influencer, accusing her of exploiting a tragic situation for personal gain. “This is the sad reality,” a user commented, while others labeled her an “opportunist.”
The Broader Context: Kolkata Incident’s Impact
The influencer’s video comes in the wake of the tragic incident on August 9, where a junior doctor was brutally raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College. The case has since been the subject of intense media scrutiny and public debate. The accused, Sanjay Roy, was reportedly identified by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as a “pervert” with an addiction to pornography, according to a psychoanalytical profile.
The incident has led to widespread calls for better protection and safety measures for women, both in public spaces and workplaces.
As the debate continues, the tragic event in Kolkata serves as a grim reminder of the dangers women face daily. While some advocate for practical safety measures, others emphasize the need for systemic change to address the root causes of violence against women. The discussion sparked by the influencer’s video underscores the urgency of finding solutions to ensure the safety and security of women in India.