BENGALURU, In a disturbing development that underscores the rising menace of online abuse, prominent Indian actress and former Member of Parliament (MP) Divya Spandana, widely known by her screen name Ramya, has received death and rape threats on social media. The threats were allegedly linked to her comments on a controversial murder case involving a high-profile actor, sparking widespread condemnation from the public and political circles.
Acting swiftly on her complaint, the Bengaluru Police have arrested two individuals responsible for the vile threats. An investigation is ongoing to trace others involved in this case of targeted online harassment, with 48 suspicious social media accounts identified so far.
Background: Who is Divya Spandana (Ramya)?
Divya Spandana, better known by her stage name Ramya, is a celebrated actress in the Kannada film industry and a prominent public figure in India. She made her cinematic debut in 2003 and quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the leading actresses in South Indian cinema.
In addition to her career in entertainment, Spandana entered politics and served as a Member of Parliament from Mandya, Karnataka, representing the Indian National Congress (INC) from 2013 to 2014. She also served as the head of the Congress party’s social media cell, where she was credited with bringing a modern, data-driven approach to political communications.
After a hiatus from films, she made a much-anticipated return to cinema in 2023, marking a new phase in her dual careers in entertainment and public service.
The Incident: A Social Media Storm and Criminal Threats
According to media reports, the issue began when Ramya commented on the high-profile murder case involving actor Darshan, a leading star in the Kannada film industry who was recently arrested in connection with the death of a man named Renukaswamy.
Ramya’s statement, which was widely shared on social media, appeared to call for justice and accountability in the case. This did not sit well with some supporters of Darshan, who began targeting her with hateful messages, including threats of violence and sexual assault.
In her formal complaint filed with the Bengaluru Police, Ramya stated that she had received threatening messages from at least 43 different social media accounts. The messages reportedly included highly abusive language, life-threatening comments, and sexually explicit threats.
Police Action: Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Responding promptly, the Cybercrime Division of the Bengaluru Police initiated an investigation into the matter. Using digital forensics and social media tracking tools, authorities were able to identify and trace several suspicious accounts involved in issuing threats.
Key Developments:
- Two individuals were arrested after they were found operating some of the accounts that sent explicit threats to Ramya.
- During interrogation, both confessed to their involvement, revealing that their actions were in retaliation to Ramya’s statement about Darshan.
- Police have also identified 11 additional accounts, bringing the total number of suspicious handles to 48.
- Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the remaining culprits who engaged in cyberbullying and criminal intimidation.
Police officials stated that the investigation is being pursued under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:
- Section 354D: Stalking,
- Section 507: Criminal intimidation by anonymous communication,
- Section 506: Criminal intimidation,
- Section 509: Insulting the modesty of a woman,
- And sections under the Information Technology (IT) Act, which pertain to online abuse and transmission of obscene content.
Wider Implications: Online Abuse Against Women in India
This incident brings to light a larger, systemic issue — the growing volume of online abuse targeted at women, especially those in the public eye. Whether actresses, journalists, politicians, or activists, many women in India face relentless harassment on digital platforms, often with little to no recourse.
Cyber experts and legal professionals argue that existing laws, although robust on paper, often fall short in enforcement. The anonymity provided by the internet enables individuals to make vile threats without immediate accountability, contributing to a culture of impunity.
In Ramya’s case, however, swift police action has been commended by various rights groups and public figures who stress the need for more effective cyber policing and stronger institutional mechanisms to safeguard women online.
Public Reaction and Support for Ramya
The public response to the threats has been overwhelming. Celebrities, politicians, activists, and citizens alike have expressed solidarity with Ramya.
Statements from Key Figures:
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, General Secretary of the Indian National Congress, tweeted:
“Shameful and unacceptable. Women in public life should never have to face such threats. We stand by Divya Spandana and call for strict punishment against the guilty.” - Kavita Krishnan, a noted feminist activist, said:
“This is not just about Ramya. This is about the thousands of women who face online sexual violence daily. The government must prioritize cyber safety.”
On social media platforms like Twitter (X), hashtags such as #JusticeForRamya, #StopOnlineAbuse, and #CyberSafetyNow have been trending, reflecting widespread public outrage.
Darshan Murder Case: A Brief Overview
The background to this incident lies in the high-profile Darshan murder case that has shocked the Kannada film industry. Actor Darshan, often referred to as the “Challenging Star” by fans, was arrested in connection with the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan who allegedly sent inappropriate messages to Darshan’s partner.
The investigation into the murder is ongoing, with several individuals being interrogated, and the case continues to dominate headlines in Karnataka. Given Darshan’s massive fan following, the case has created significant polarization, with some fans reacting aggressively to criticism directed at the actor.
It was in this context that Ramya voiced her opinion, calling for justice and urging that the law be allowed to take its course — a move that triggered the backlash she is now enduring.
Legal Precedents and Need for Reform
Legal experts suggest that this case should be used as a precedent to implement stricter controls over social media platforms and ensure faster grievance redressal for victims of cyber abuse. The lack of a national cybercrime monitoring system in India often means victims must rely on state police to act promptly — a response that can vary in effectiveness.
Cyber law specialist Advocate N.S. Nappinai, founder of Cyber Saathi, remarked:
“India urgently needs to scale up its digital policing and provide citizens with real-time mechanisms to report and remove harmful content. This isn’t just about celebrities — it’s about every Indian internet user.”
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Digital Accountability
The threats against Divya Spandana serve as a grim reminder of the dangers women face in the digital age. Her case is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern where freedom of speech and opinion is met with intimidation and violence, especially against women who dare to speak out.
The arrests made in this case are a positive step forward, but much remains to be done. It is imperative that social media platforms improve their moderation tools, governments strengthen cyber laws, and civil society continues to demand accountability.
As India marches forward in its digital revolution, ensuring digital safety and dignity for women must be at the forefront of national policy and public conscience.
