EXCLUSIVE: Debina Bonnerjee takes a stand for women and says, “Rape is not sex, it's violence” in the wake of Kolkata hospital tragedy

Popular television actress and YouTuber Debina Bonnerjee recently expressed her outrage over the brutal rape and murder of a resident doctor in a Kolkata medical college-hospital. As a Kolkata native, Debina's connection to her hometown runs deep and adding to it the actress is also a mother of two daughters which makes this incident particularly heart-wrenching for her.In a powerful statement, Debina compared this recent tragedy to the infamous Nirbhaya case from 2012, highlighting the recurring cycle of violence against women in India. She said, “12 years back what happened with Nirbhaya, happened again in Kolkata, my city Kolkata. I was so proud to be from Kolkata, the land of Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, but people are searching for answers there too. People are finding those people who were behind this hideous crime, people are not getting the answers. Even I am included in that."Debina also discussed the broader implications of this crime "Doctors are like God, and today those people whom we consider God are searching for answers because this happened to them, so are the other people safe?" she questioned. She went on to criticize the victim-blaming mentality pervasive in society, particularly on social media. "Those who can't go to the candle march can participate as well by changing society's mindset. By killing the hate that girls get. My comments section was full of hate yesterday. Do you think rape is sex? No it's violence, it's hatred, a crime. Showing hatred publicly, passing bad comments for someone, is it right? Just because I am a girl, I am on a public platform. People just restrict girls by saying don't go here, don't go out at night, don't wear such clothes, but girls are not safe anywhere. You are not safe at your home, at your relative's house, at your workplace."Debina also pointed out the psychological impact these incidents have on women and girls, especially concerning their freedom and aspirations. "Because of this, so many girls are thinking how will our parents allow us to go out for work, we won't be able to do anything, we will be back to zero. We can do it by changing our thinking, every single thought that differentiates a girl and puts them down. There are not just men in society, but also women, and they are preparing the boys of the next generation. If we don't stop objectifying girls, there won't be any change in society."She concluded her impassioned plea with a call to action, urging everyone to introspect and change their mindset to ensure true independence for women. "I hope we get the solution for the thing we are fighting now. All of us will have to change our mindset; only then will we be independent.”Also Read: Debina Bonnerjee hits back at trolls who called her ‘fat’; says, “You were rude and you are still rude”