Sourav Ganguly's DP Turns Black Amid Kolkata Rape-Murder Protests, Days After Backlash Over His Comments

Former Indian cricket team skipper Sourav Ganguly changed his profile picture on his social media handles to the colour black, joining thousands of social media users who have done the same to show their solidarity with the trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital who was raped and murdered.

As the nation saw continued protests, demanding justice for the deceased trainee doctor, a separate online movement began urging people to change their display pictures, aka DPs in tech parlance, to black colour.

Ganguly’s move came days after his comment on Kolkata’s security situation provoked condemnation from some as it was made in the backdrop of the gruesome rape and murder of the trainee doctor.

The investigation into the crime is being conducted by the CBI and so far one person has been arrested in the case.

“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,” Ganguly said.

“I hope that the CBI, who are investigating the matter, once they find the culprit, give strict punishment. The punishment should be such that no one dares to commit such crime again in their life. That is important. Punishment has to be severe,” the former Indian cricket team skipper added.

The decorated cricketer had earlier in a video that has gone viral termed the rape and murder of the trainee doctor as an ‘one-off’ incident, dividing the internet.

“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 for 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,” Ganguly told reporters at the Biswa-Bangla Convention Centre during an event.

The comment led to online backlash for the cricketer who led India in the 2003 World Cup to the finals in South Africa. The now-retired left-handed batsman faced criticism online, forcing him to offer a clarification.

“Dada has firmly stood against heinous crimes like rape and has advocated for immediate punishment for the guilty. He has also been a vocal supporter of women’s safety in the workplace. We stand with the victims, and we stand with Dada, the greatest son of Bengal and India,” a fan group said.

While some of his fan groups on social media appeared to back him, some social media commentators criticised the batsman for his remarks.

“SouravGanguly sadly not ‘Dada’ anymore,” a social media user posted.

“Saddened and shocked to see the brave man who removed his jersey on the Lord’s balcony and taught the Indian team to fight, lose his own spine!” he said.