After the rape and murder of a young doctor at Kolkata’s RG KAR medical college, the whole country of India has been in upheaval. From speaking out against discrimination to voicing safety concerns to even asking the Chief Minister to resign, women have taken to the streets of Kolkata. The protests are taking place at night at different locations from August 14 under the banner "Women, Reclaim the Night."
One of the loudest voices in the rallies have been none other than actress Sreelekha Mitra. She took to Facebook to write regular updates.
Right before joining the protests, she wrote, "I'll be there; will you? #wedemandjustice #rgkarmedicalcollege. We have to walk a long way, so I'm thinking of wearing shorts. Will I be rapeable?"
In one of her other posts, she wrote, “Let another revolution happen in this city. If Bangladesh can do it, we can too. #corruptgovernment #resign #RGKarHospital #corruptpolice. Shame. Share the evidence that's under threat of being destroyed. Am boiling with ANGER.”
Meanwhile, all hell has broken loose at the RG KAR medical college, there has allegedly been an attempt to destroy and tamper with evidence.
Sreelakha has responded to these claims, “Is West Bengal someone's father's property? Don't be a fool, demand the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her ministers. Let the trial be right.”
She further wrote, “Identify the fake apolitical opportunists. Don't forget what happened at RG Kar Hospital was completely political. Those who say otherwise are the people of that rapist's party.”
The investigation has currently been handed over to the CBI as it is clearly understood that neither the court nor the public is satisfied with Kolkata police’s investigation. Everyone wants the real culprit to be punished and wants justice for the victim.
It is notable here that Sreelekha is known for not shying away from voicing her political views, often stating, "Nothing is apolitical." This has allegedly led to her not being invited to state sponsored events like the Kolkata International Film Festival. However, she visited Bangladesh in 2023 to take part in Dhaka International Film Festival where her film "Saad" was screened. She directed, produced and acted in the film.
