A couple from Bengaluru made headlines for their courageous response to an alarming acid attack threat. Khyati Shree, a social media influencer, has faced cyberbullying for some time. However, when a direct threat to her safety was sent to her husband, Shahbaz Ansar, they decided to take action.
The threat read, “Kindly tell your wife to follow a good dress, especially in Karnataka or else I may splash acid on her face.” This message was alarming enough for Ansar to act swiftly. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to raise awareness about the incident and tagged important figures including Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
The couple’s post quickly gained traction online. Many supporters rallied behind them, sharing their experiences and encouraging action against such threats. Ansar noted that the sender of the message, Nikith Shetty, had searched for him and contacted him from his real account, which made the threat feel more real and dangerous.
This is serious. @DgpKarnataka @CMofKarnataka @DKShivakumar . This person is threatening to throw acid on my wife’s face for her choice of clothes. Please take immediate action against this person to prevent any incident from happening. pic.twitter.com/N6fxS59Kqm
— Shahbaz Ansar (@ShahbazAnsar_) October 9, 2024
Immediate Action Taken
Following the viral nature of their post, Etios Services, where Shetty was employed, responded by terminating his employment for five years. The company condemned his actions as “unacceptable” and indicated they would pursue legal action against him. This swift response from the employer showcased the power of social media in addressing serious issues like harassment.
Khyati expressed her relief but also shared her ongoing anxiety about the situation. Despite the termination of Shetty’s job, she felt unsettled knowing someone had threatened her safety directly. The Bengaluru City police reached out to Ansar after their post went viral and offered him the chance to file a formal complaint. However, due to their travel plans, they opted not to pursue this route at the moment.
Support from the Community
The couple received an overwhelming amount of support from their followers and even those who did not regularly engage with Khyati’s content. Many individuals reached out with messages of encouragement, emphasizing that they were not alone in facing such threats. Khyati has previously dealt with similar situations where she took matters into her own hands by publicly naming and shaming individuals who harassed her online.
People protesting against Rape In India. Wow pic.twitter.com/KriloGeT6a
— Khyati Shree (@KhyatiShree_) August 17, 2024
Khyati’s experience highlights a broader issue faced by many women in India today. She stated that she is often subjected to disturbing comments regarding her clothing choices and personal freedom. “It saddens me every time I am forced to cover up for the sake of other people,” she remarked. Her determination to fight back against this culture of harassment is evident in her proactive approach to social media.
How to identify a potential rapist: People who blame girl’s clothing for increasing rape cases are the ones who are rapists. pic.twitter.com/CHJdr35xaE
— Khyati Shree (@KhyatiShree_) September 2, 2024
A Broader Conversation
This incident has sparked conversations about women’s rights and safety in India. Khyati’s story is not isolated; many women face similar threats regularly. The couple hopes that their experience will encourage others to speak out against harassment and seek justice.
Police stopped me at Udupi beach in Karnataka for wearing a bikni. When I asked why, the officer pointed at some goons telling me they will beat us if I don’t change clothes. (Full video of this incident on my instagram) pic.twitter.com/3jrxUycbcv
— Khyati Shree (@KhyatiShree_) August 29, 2024
Khyati Shree and Shahbaz Ansar’s response to an acid attack threat showcases resilience in the face of adversity. Their actions have not only brought attention to their situation but also highlighted the need for societal change regarding how women are treated online and offline.
