Tanya Khanijow’s “Avoid India” Post: A Harrowing Rape And Murder of A Woman Doctor in Kolkata
In the wake of a harrowing rape and murder of a woman doctor in Kolkata, Indian travel influencer Tanya Khanijow ignited a firestorm on social media by urging women, particularly from abroad, to avoid traveling to India due to what she described as "horrible" safety standards for women. Her message, posted on the social platform X (formerly Twitter), was not just a reaction to the specific incident in Kolkata, but a broader critique of the systemic safety issues that she believes plague the country.
The Context: A Tragic Incident in Kolkata
The incident that triggered Khanijow’s post involved the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. This case has not only shocked the nation but has also reignited the ongoing debate about the safety of women in India. Khanijow's message highlighted her concern that such incidents are not isolated but part of a larger, more troubling pattern of violence against women in the country.

The Controversial Post
Khanijow’s post on X read: "Safety standards for women in India are horrible. My sincere request to all my women friends abroad: Please don’t travel here unless our leadership seriously improves safety for women. Please avoid coming to India at all costs!" This statement, while resonating with some who share her concerns, sparked intense backlash from many others who felt that she was unfairly tarnishing the image of India.
Backlash and Criticism
The reactions to Khanijow's post were swift and polarized. Critics accused her of defaming her own country and generalizing a national issue based on a single incident. Some commentators on social media argued that her statements were not only exaggerated but also damaging to India’s reputation on the global stage. They pointed out that crimes against women occur worldwide, and it is not just India that faces such challenges.
One user on X responded, “This is pathetic... you can't blame the whole of India for a crime that happened in a particular state. Please don’t defame India... every country has these types of incidents.” Another echoed similar sentiments, stressing that defaming an entire country during such turbulent times was unnecessary, although they acknowledged that urgent measures for women’s safety were indeed needed.
Khanijow’s Defense

Despite the backlash, Khanijow remained steadfast in her stance. She argued that her comments were rooted in a deep concern for the safety of women, not just in India, but globally. “It’s not just one incident. Speak to any woman, and I bet she has experienced some form of assault. Safety standards are poor, and it’s a nationwide issue,” she said in her defense. She also revealed that she had personally experienced assaults in various parts of India, which informed her perspective.
Khanijow’s supporters argued that the backlash she faced was indicative of a broader issue—how criticism of women’s safety is often met with defensiveness rather than constructive dialogue. They believe that acknowledging the problem is the first step toward addressing it, and that Khanijow’s post, though controversial, might help bring about much-needed change.
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The Broader Implications
The controversy surrounding Khanijow’s post touches on a larger debate about women’s safety in India. According to recent reports, India ranks among the most dangerous countries for women, particularly in terms of domestic violence and sexual assault. While many argue that the situation is improving, incidents like the one in Kolkata serve as stark reminders that much work remains to be done.
Khanijow’s post has also raised questions about the role of influencers in shaping public discourse. As public figures with significant followings, influencers like Khanijow have the power to spark important conversations, but they also bear the responsibility of doing so in a way that is constructive and well-informed.

Conclusion: The Need for Constructive Dialogue
Tanya Khanijow’s "Avoid India" post has undeniably stirred up a heated debate, but it also sheds light on the critical issue of women’s safety in India. While her critics may disagree with her approach, the conversation she has sparked is an important one. As India continues to grapple with the issue of violence against women, it is crucial that such discussions lead to concrete actions that make the country safer for everyone.
For now, the debate continues, both online and offline, as India reflects on how to balance the need for national pride with the urgent necessity of protecting its women.
References:
Free Press Journal source.
The Daily Guardian source
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