The horrific rape and murder of a young trainee doctor in Kolkata has sent shockwaves across the nation, with women from all walks of life expressing their outrage and demanding justice. Indian cricket, a sport that has seen a surge in women’s popularity, is no exception.

Leading figures in Women’s cricket in India have come forward to condemn the heinous crime and lend their voices to the growing chorus demanding a safer environment for women. These athletes, who have inspired millions with their skills and determination, have used their platform to highlight the urgent need for change.

Mithali Raj expresses deep sorrow and anger

In a powerful statement, former India captain Mithali Raj expressed her deep sorrow and anger over the sad incident. She highlighted the disturbing reality that even individuals who dedicate their lives to helping and saving others are not spared from the horrors of violence.

Mithali called for justice, demanding that rapists be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Her message emphasized the universal right of every woman to safety, freedom, and respect, underscoring the urgent need for societal change to protect women from such atrocities.

“The brutal rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata is a chilling reminder that even those who dedicate their lives to healing and saving others are not immune to the horrors of violence. It is beyond tragic that someone who vowed to protect and care for others fell victim to such a heinous act. Rapists must be punished with the full severity of the law. Every woman has the right to safety, freedom, and respect,” wrote Mithali on X (formerly Twitter).

The brutal rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata is a chilling reminder that even those who dedicate their lives to healing and saving others are not immune to the horrors of violence. It is beyond tragic that someone who vowed to protect and care for others fell victim to such…

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) August 15, 2024

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Smriti Mandhana and others demand swift justice

Smriti Mandhana, the current star of Indian women’s cricket, joined the chorus of condemnation, demanding swift justice for the victim. Other cricketers, both current and former, have also shared their grief and anger on social media, using their influence to raise awareness about the issue. Cricketers such as Pooja Vastrakar, Harleen Deol, Sneh Rana and others also reacted on the incident. The outpouring of support from the cricketing fraternity reflects the deep-rooted concern over women’s safety in India.

A call for action

The response from the cricketing community is not just limited to expressing solidarity. It is a call to action. These athletes have urged the authorities to take stringent measures to prevent such crimes from happening again. They have also emphasized the need for societal change, where women are treated with respect and equality.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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