Here's Why YouTuber Dhruv Rathee Under Fire Over Kolkata Doctor Rape And Murder Case

Kolkata: YouTuber Dhruv Rathee is facing a massive backlash for his social media post on the heinous rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor, the incident which has created a stir across the nation. Rathee came under fire for revealing the name of the Kolkata rape and murder victim. He also faced major criticism after reportedly deleting a post on X on the horrific incident. The YouTuber reportedly initially deleted a post on X and later revealed the victim's name in a video post.

Reports suggested that Dhruv Rathee shared a post on X with the hashtag “Justice For Nirbhaya 2”, while referring to the Kolkata doctor brutal rape and murder case. However, he quickly deleted the post leading to speculation and attracting criticism. The social media users alleged that Rathee deleted the post because he feared the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) -led government of West Bengal.

Dhruv Rathee Posted Clarification To Damage Control The Situation

Critics also claimed that he removed the post to avoid potential repercussions. As the controversy sparked, Rathee responded to his decision to delete the post, saying that he found the comparison to the Nirbhaya case to be insensitive after receiving feedback from his followers.

Rathee stated, “Because some people pointed out that it was insensitive to call (name hidden) as Nirbhaya 2. I thought over it and felt that they were right.”

The YouTuber, however, came under fire later once again after he mentioned the name of the victim in a hashtag while sharing about the incident.

“The rape-murder case in West Bengal is heartbreaking. It exposes the inhumane working conditions for doctors, the lack of their safety and the miserable state of law and order in West Bengal. Hope CBI does a fast-track trial and gets justice (sic),” he wrote on X, adding a hashtag containing the victim's name.

However, despite his attempt to correct the situation, Rathee found himself embroiled in further controversy. In a subsequent post about the incident, he used a hashtag that included the name of the victim. This act sparked widespread criticism, as disclosing the identity of rape victims is not only against the law but also considered highly insensitive.

Social media users, including several prominent figures, were quick to point out this legal breach.The sentiment was echoed by many others who questioned Rathee's judgement and his understanding of the sensitivity surrounding such cases.

Many accused him of being careless and insensitive, particularly given the gravity of the crime. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of influencers and public figures when discussing sensitive topics, especially those involving victims of heinous crimes.

What Is Guideline

In India, the Supreme Court has established strict guidelines regarding the disclosure of rape victims' identities. According to these guidelines, the name or identity of a rape victim should not be revealed, even with the authorization of the victim's next of kin. This law is in place to protect the dignity and privacy of the victim and their family.

Kolkata Doctor Rape And Murder

The horrific incident of Kolkata, wherein a female trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was brutally raped and murdered. The incident created a massive outrage across the nation with doctors and citizens coming to the streets to protest against the heinous crime. The incident highlighted the persistent issues of violence against women and the inadequate safety measures for healthcare professionals.