Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has taken a decisive and vocal stance against the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, participating in a protest rally on August 21. The rally, which began at Maula Ali and concluded at Dorina Crossing, saw Agnihotri joining a throng of demonstrators in a powerful show of solidarity and demand for justice.
In a candid interview with ANI, Agnihotri expressed his outrage over the incident and criticized the current political climate in West Bengal. He remarked, "Yaha pe rape ko ek political weapon ki tarah use kiya gaya hai. Main ye keh raha hu ki ye current government jo hai, ye system khatam hona chahiye. Bengal mein communal, political, electoral violence khatam hona chahiye and we have to make Bengal great again and that is possible only when the current political system wo poora change ho," which translates to, "Rape has been used as a political weapon. I am saying that this current government and system need to end. Communal, political, and electoral violence in Bengal must be stopped, and we have to make Bengal great again, which is only possible when the entire current political system is changed."
Agnihotri, known for his film *The Kashmir Files*, emphasized that the use of rape and violence against women as political tools must be abolished. He declared, "Enough is enough. Using rape and crime against women as a political weapon must be stopped. We have to reclaim the lost glory of Bengal. We have to make Bengal great again if we want India to succeed." His impassioned plea reflects a broader frustration with the perceived exploitation of such grave issues for political gain.
The filmmaker's comments have sparked widespread support and approval from the public, with many praising his forthrightness and dedication to the cause. In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) the day before the rally, Agnihotri announced his participation and urged others to join him in demanding justice. He wrote, "Hello, Kolkata! Tomorrow, I’ll be joining the protest rally against the brutal rape and murder of an on-duty doctor. I urge all citizens to join me in demanding women’s safety and our right to life. Rally: 21 Aug, 3:30 PM, from Maula Ali to Dorina Crossing."
The protest, which drew significant attention, has also seen support from various celebrities and public figures, all united in their call for justice and systemic reform. The rally highlighted the urgent need for effective measures to address violence against women and ensure that such heinous crimes are not manipulated for political purposes. Agnihotri's participation underscores a growing demand for accountability and systemic change in the face of violence and injustice.
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