Former Indian cricket captain and ex-BCCI President Sourav Ganguly found himself at the center of a social media storm after changing his profile picture to black on August 19th. This action was intended to express solidarity with the trainee doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital who was tragically raped and murdered. However, Ganguly’s gesture was met with widespread criticism, with many users deeming it a superficial response to the outrage surrounding his initial comments on the case.
The controversy stemmed from Ganguly’s previous remarks, where he defended the Mamata Banerjee government and downplayed the heinous crime by calling it a ‘stray incident’. This insensitive statement ignited widespread backlash, with many accusing Ganguly of failing to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and the systemic issues that contribute to violence against women.
Social media users were quick to condemn Ganguly’s profile picture change, arguing that it was a hollow attempt at appeasement. Many demanded an apology for his earlier statement, highlighting that his actions spoke louder than his words.
One user expressed their disappointment, stating, “Drama after all the backlash you got for the insensitive comments.” Another echoed this sentiment, saying, “The silence from some of our heroes in the face of the heinous crime in Kolkata is deafening. A black profile picture on X isn’t enough when justice demands our voices. This incident, where a young doctor was brutally assaulted, cries out for not just our sympathy but our active outrage and demand for justice.”
The criticism was further amplified by users who pointed out the disconnect between Ganguly’s gesture and his previous statements. “Unless you have the guts to stand up against Mamata Banerjee and her tyrannical dictatorship, unless you have the cojones to play with a straight bat in matters other than cricket, I will continue to be ashamed to have been your fan. Disgraceful, Dada!” one user commented.
The public outcry forced Ganguly to clarify his previous remarks, stating that they were misunderstood. He asserted that he believed the crime was “terrible” and that the ongoing CBI and police investigations should be allowed to run their course.
However, many remain unconvinced, viewing his clarification as a damage control tactic. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for public figures to exercise caution and sensitivity when addressing such sensitive and tragic events. It also highlights the power of social media in holding individuals accountable for their actions and promoting a dialogue on crucial social issues.
