Rajeswary Appahu
Rajeswary Appahu, better known as Esha, was a Malaysian social media personality who killed herself on 5 July 2024 following online harassment.[1]
Her suicide gained national attention and sparked a government inquest into the issue of cyberbullying in the country.[1]
Harassment and suicide[edit]
Referred to in reports as a Hindu rights activist,[1] Rajeswary gained a following on the social media platform TikTok after she helped raise awareness about a cosmetic product that included mercury, leading to its banning.[2][3]
She became the target of online harassment after an Islamic preacher posted excerpts of a TikTok live show hosted by Rajeswary where a guest made negative remarks about the religion on 2 June. The preacher, Zamri Vinoth, began a social media campaign urging members of the public to lodge police reports against Rajeswary, leading to her arrest and a three-day remand. Upon her release on 28 June, she was the target of continued harassment.[4] Fearing for her safety, Rajeswary lodged a police report on 4 July over comments made online during a TikTok livestream where she was subjected to death and rape threats by two individuals. The report also alleged that one of the individuals had claimed to have the backing of a "gang" and encouraged viewers to send a link of the livestream to her.[1]
On July 5, Rajeswary was found dead in her condominium at 11 a.m.[1][4]
Reactions[edit]
Rajeswary's suicide gained national attention, with Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil announcing that the government may consider amending existing cyberbullying laws in the country,[5] and was covered by The Independent and South China Morning Post internationally.[6][1]
It was reported that two journalists had also been targeted by the accounts linked to Rajeswary's suicide, including having pictures of their residences and family members taken.[7]
Two individuals were arrested on 8 and 10 July by police in relation to Rajeswary's suicide.[8]
A police report was lodged against three individuals that had uploaded and conducted livestreams where they allegedly insulted Rajeswary on 12 July by her mother. One of the individuals has since been revealed to be a suspended policewoman.[9][10]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f "How Malaysian TikTok influencer's death has shed light on cyberbullying". Firstpost. 2024-07-10. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
- ^ Hakim, Luqman (2024-07-09). "Two journalists threatened by same cyber bullies who had targeted late influencer | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
- ^ Renushara (2024-07-09). "Deceased Cyberbully Victim was a Whistleblower, Reported Cosmetic Product Containing Mercury - WORLD OF BUZZ". worldofbuzz.com. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
- ^ a b "TikTok influencer's death came after a month of cyberbullying, rape and death threats". Scoop. 2024-07-09. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
- ^ Bernama (2024-07-07). "Cabinet to discuss cyberbullying issues on Friday following influencer's death: Fahmi". Scoop. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
- ^ "Death of Malaysian social media star shines spotlight on cyberbullying". The Independent. 2024-07-09. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
- ^ Hakim, Luqman (2024-07-09). "Two journalists threatened by same cyber bullies who had targeted late influencer | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
- ^ Camoens, Austin (2024-07-15). "Duo expected to be charged tomorrow over Rajeswary cyberbullying case | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
- ^ Nizam, Fuad (2024-07-12). "Esha's mother lodges a police report against three individuals | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
- ^ Camoens, Austin (2024-07-15). "Police to question controversial former policewoman over cyberbullying case | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 2024-07-15.