In the wake of the shocking rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, the city has been gripped by a wave of fear and outrage. The brutal crime, which occurred on August 9, has not only sparked widespread protests but has also ignited a conversation about the safety of women in Kolkata and across India.
Kolkata Influencer’s Shopping List Has Pepper Spray, Mini Knife
Amid this climate of fear, a Kolkata-based influencer, Shreyasi Biswas, has taken to social media to raise awareness about women’s safety during the upcoming Durga Puja festival. In a video that has garnered significant attention, with over 7.6 lakh views and nearly 74,000 likes, Biswas urged women to prioritize their safety while preparing for the festivities. She recommended that women add self-defence items such as pepper spray, alarm keychains, and mini knives to their shopping lists.
Shreyasi Biswas expressed deep concern over the deteriorating safety conditions in Kolkata, emphasizing that women must now be more vigilant and prepared to protect themselves, even in their own city. Her message resonated with many, as evidenced by the flood of comments on her video. One user highlighted the challenge of self-defence in situations involving multiple attackers, suggesting that education on gender relations is crucial. Another expressed sadness, noting that the recent incident has made Kolkata feel increasingly unsafe for women. The sentiment of heightened anxiety and fear was echoed by others, with one commenter mentioning how even brief eye contact with strangers now feels threatening. However, not all reactions were supportive. Some criticized Biswas for allegedly exploiting the tragic incident to promote products, accusing her of being opportunistic.
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The incident has left the city in a state of shock, and the investigation into the crime continues, with reports indicating that the accused, Sanjay Roy, has a history of perverted behaviour and was addicted to pornography. The horrific nature of the crime has only deepened the sense of vulnerability among women in Kolkata, highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure their safety.