A Bengaluru couple, Khyati Shree and Shahbaz Ansar, recently made headlines for their courageous response to a disturbing acid attack threat. On October 9, 2024, Shahbaz received a message that read, “Kindly tell your wife to follow a good dress, especially in Karnataka, or else I may splash acid on her face.” This alarming threat was sent by Nikith Shetty, prompting Shahbaz to take immediate action by posting about it on X (formerly Twitter), tagging prominent figures including Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Immediate Action Taken
The couple’s post quickly gained traction online, leading to widespread outrage. Many supporters rallied behind them, sharing their own experiences with harassment and encouraging action against such threats. In response to the viral nature of the post, Etios Services, where Shetty was employed, terminated his employment for five years.
The company condemned his actions as “unacceptable” and indicated they would pursue legal action against him. This swift response showcased the power of social media in addressing serious issues like harassment and highlighted the need for accountability in such situations.
Khyati expressed relief over the company’s decision but also shared her ongoing anxiety about the situation. Despite Shetty’s termination, she felt unsettled knowing someone had directly threatened her safety. The Bengaluru City police reached out to Shahbaz after their post went viral, offering him the chance to file a formal complaint. However, due to their travel plans, they opted not to pursue this route at that moment.
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
Support from the Community
The couple received an overwhelming amount of support from their followers and even those who do 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.
Khyati’s experience underscores a broader issue faced by many women in India today. She often receives 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.
People protesting against Rape In India. Wow pic.twitter.com/KriloGeT6a
— Khyati Shree (@KhyatiShree_) August 17, 2024
A Broader Conversation
This incident has sparked important 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.
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 both online and offline.
