28 September,2026 06:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Bhumi Pednekkar. Pic via Instagram
Actor Bhumi Pednekkar has spoken out about women's safety following a recent alleged gang rape and murder of a 70-year-old woman in Lucknow. The incident, in which the woman was attacked after objecting to two men drinking near her home, has once again brought attention to violence against women.
Taking to Instagram Stories, Bhumi questioned the tendency to place responsibility on women rather than confronting the mindset behind such crimes. Sharing her thoughts, the actor wrote, "What part of her inappropriate way of dressing invited her to be raped? 7 months to 70 years old, no woman is safe."
The actor went on to describe the issue as a deeper societal problem and called for stronger action against perpetrators. "We are in a serious deep rooted problem. Don't shut public parks and lock women in. Fix this patriarchal, regressive mindset. MAKE THEM FEAR THE LAW," she wrote.
Bhumi's post focused on the broader question of how society responds to violence against women. Rather than placing restrictions on women's movements or appearance, she argued that the focus needs to remain on addressing the attitudes and behaviour that enable such crimes.
Her reference to women ranging from "7 months to 70 years old" underlined her point that victims of sexual violence cannot be reduced to assumptions about age, clothing or behaviour.
The actor has previously used her social media platform to discuss gender-related issues and women's rights. Her latest post comes at a time when incidents of sexual violence continue to prompt public conversations about safety, accountability and the need for stronger responses to crimes against women.
The post was prompted by the reported case in Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, involving a 70-year-old woman. The woman was allegedly gang-raped and murdered after objecting to two men drinking near her residence.
Bhumi's comments shift the conversation from precautions imposed on women to accountability for those accused of committing such crimes. Her call to "make them fear the law" reflects her demand for deterrence and legal accountability.
The actor has continued to use her public platform to speak about issues concerning women, adding her voice to the wider conversation around gender-based violence and safety. Bhumi Pednekkar will next be seen in The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, releasing in January 2027.
