The Bengaluru Cybercrime police have taken decisive action against online harassment, arresting two individuals for allegedly targeting the family of popular Kannada actor Darshan. The arrests follow a formal complaint lodged by the actor's wife, Vijayalakshmi, who faced a barrage of obscene and defamatory content on social media platforms.
Details of the Arrest and Accused
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bengaluru city police apprehended the two accused from different walks of life. The first accused is Nithin, aged 31, a software engineer hailing from Davanagere. The second is Chandrashekar B, aged 45, who works as an auto driver and is a resident of Chikkabanavara in Bengaluru. They are charged with creating and disseminating derogatory and obscene material targeting Vijayalakshmi and her family across platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Timeline of the Complaint and Investigation
The case originated when Vijayalakshmi filed an official complaint with the police on December 24. In her complaint, she specifically named over 18 persons who were involved in the malicious campaign against her. Seeking a swift resolution, she later met with the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, Seemant Kumar Singh, on December 31 to inquire about the progress of the investigation.
Expressing her frustration with the pace of the probe, Vijayalakshmi took to her Instagram account to voice her dissatisfaction. This public appeal underscored the emotional distress caused by such unchecked online abuse and likely added pressure on the authorities to accelerate their actions, leading to the subsequent arrests.
Broader Implications for Cybercrime
This case highlights the growing seriousness with which law enforcement agencies in India, particularly in tech hubs like Bengaluru, are treating cyber harassment and defamation. The arrest of individuals from disparate professional backgrounds sends a clear message that online anonymity is not a guarantee of immunity. The police action, based on a complaint citing multiple perpetrators, also demonstrates the challenges in policing social media content but affirms the legal recourse available to victims, especially public figures and their families.
The Bengaluru CCB's intervention in this high-profile case is a significant step in combating the menace of cyberbullying. It reinforces the importance of holding individuals accountable for their digital actions and provides a measure of reassurance to victims of similar online attacks.
