Kolkata/IBNS: Bollywood actress Vidya Balan has expressed her shock at the incident of brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital amid the huge protests that swept the country over the past two months.

Speaking at an event in Kolkata, Vidya on Monday said, "I always feel Kolkata and West Bengal have a huge respect for women in a true sense. I was shocked to hear the news like everyone else.

"I couldn't believe such a heinous crime could have occurred in this land. How can such an incident happen in the land of goddesses? I am not able to comprehend."

The trainee doctor's rape and murder had earlier triggered sharp responses from several other B-Town stars including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Ayushmann Khurrana et al.

Vidya made the remark while promoting her upcoming Hindi film, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, which is due for theatrical release on November 1.

The actress was in the city along with her co-star and new Bollywood heartthrob, Kartik Aaryan.

Vidya, 45, has a connection with West Bengal through her works. She made her film debut with Bengali project, Bhalo Theko.

In 2005, Vidya made her Bollywood debut with Parineeta, which was based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's Bengali novella of the same name.

Amid her several hits, Vidya is fondly remembered for playing a Bengali woman in Sujoy Ghosh's action-thriller film Kahaani, which was shot in Kolkata.