The cruelty of comments on social media can kill someone, or many people. This happened to a Malaysian influencer named Rajeswary Appahu, known as Esha.
She was found dead at her home on Friday, July 5, 2024. The incident occurred a day after Esha filed a police report against two people, accusing them of harassing her online. The woman allegedly committed suicide after being bullied continuously for more than a month.
Quoted from Channel News Asia on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, after an investigation was conducted under the law on criminal intimidation and online harassment, two people were charged in court and pleaded guilty. The owner of the nursing home, Shalini Periasamy, was fined RM100 (Rp356,700) for commenting with inappropriate language on TikTok.
Meanwhile, truck driver B. Sathiskumar was jailed for one year for verbally assaulting Rajeswary using his TikTok account , Dulal Brothers. Five months later, Rajeswary’s family continues to seek answers.
“I want to know why my daughter committed suicide. I need to know. I am her mother. I cannot sleep at night. I am very sad that my daughter died,” her mother, Puspa Rajagopal, told CNA.
“The court only issued a fine of RM100 (Rp356,700). Will this set a precedent for similar cases against other women? Even if the trolling and threats end up costing someone their life?” asked her sister, Susila Appahu.
The court ruling has sparked outrage in Malaysia , highlighting the risks faced by social media users, especially women.