a shocking incident unfolded in Bengaluru when a man was dismissed from his job after threatening to throw acid on a woman over her clothing choices. The accused, identified as Nikith Shetty, worked for Etios Digital Services, a digital marketing firm based in Dehradun. The incident came to light when the woman’s husband, Shahbaz Ansar, a journalist, shared the threatening message on social media, prompting widespread outrage and swift action from both the police and the company.
Main Points
The Incident
The controversy began when Shahbaz Ansar posted a screenshot of a private message sent by Shetty to his wife, Khyati Shree, who is a social media influencer. In the message, Shetty expressed his disapproval of Khyati’s attire and issued a chilling warning: “Hey b#$@, kindly tell your wife to follow a good dress specially in Karnataka or else I may splash acid on her face”. This alarming threat was made public on October 9, 2024, when Ansar tagged various officials on social media, including Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, urging them to take immediate action against Shetty.
Public Outcry and Corporate Response
As the news spread across social media platforms, netizens quickly identified Shetty’s workplace. In response to the escalating situation and public pressure, Etios Digital Services acted promptly. They released a statement condemning Shetty’s behavior as “absolutely unacceptable” and confirmed that he had been fired. The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all employees and stated that they had filed a case against Shetty to ensure accountability for his actions.
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
Shahbaz Ansar later expressed his gratitude online, stating: “The man who threatened my wife Khyati Shree with an acid attack lost his job. The company acted promptly and fired him. Thanks to everyone who made this happen. This incident has sparked discussions about women’s safety in both digital spaces and workplaces.
Legal Implications
The Bengaluru police have taken the threat seriously and are currently investigating the matter further. Given that the threat involved a potential acid attack—a crime that carries severe penalties under Section 124 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—law enforcement agencies are prioritizing this case to prevent any escalation. Acid attacks are considered heinous crimes in India, often resulting in life imprisonment for offenders who cause permanent damage or severe harm.
bengaluru man acid attack
Broader Context
This incident highlights ongoing issues regarding harassment faced by women in society today. Khyati Shree herself commented on the distress caused by such threats: “A man getting offended by what I wear is something sad… expecting me to dress according to how they want is quite disturbing”. Her husband also noted that she receives numerous abusive messages daily due to her work as an influencer but stated that this particular threat was far more serious than usual.
The rapid response from both the police and Etios Digital Services demonstrates a growing awareness of the need for accountability in cases of harassment. While this specific incident ended with swift action against the perpetrator, it also raises questions about how society can better protect women from similar threats in the future.
