In a swift and decisive action, a Bengaluru man named Nikith Shetty was terminated from his job and had a case filed against him after he threatened to throw acid on a woman over her choice of clothes. The incident, which sparked outrage on social media, highlights the power of online communities in driving accountability and justice.
Incident Overview
The alarming incident came to light when Shahbaz Ansar, a journalist, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to report that his wife, Khyati Shree, had been threatened by Nikith Shetty. Ansar's post, which tagged Karnataka authorities, read:
"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."
Social Media's Role
The social media community quickly mobilized, tracing Nikith Shetty to his workplace at Etios Digital Services, a full-stack marketing agency. Following the outcry, the company issued a statement on Instagram confirming Shetty's termination and the filing of a case against him. The statement read:
"We are deeply saddened to address a serious incident involving one of our employees, Nikith Shetty, who made a threatening statement regarding another individual's choice of clothing. This behavior is absolutely unacceptable and goes against the core values we uphold at Etios Services."
Company's Action
Etios Digital Services emphasized their commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment, stating:
"As a company committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment, we have taken immediate action. Nikith's employment has been terminated for a period of five years, and we have filed a case against him to ensure accountability for his actions."
Public Reaction
The swift action by Etios Digital Services was met with widespread praise on social media. Many users thanked the company for their prompt response and for taking a strong stand against such behavior. Shahbaz Ansar also expressed his gratitude, 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."
Legal Context
Under Section 124 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), crimes involving attacks using acid or similar substances carry severe penalties. Perpetrators can face life imprisonment and fines to cover the victim's medical expenses. This legal framework underscores the gravity of acid attack threats and the serious consequences they entail.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining respect and safety for all individuals, regardless of their personal choices. The collective effort of social media users and the swift action by Etios Digital Services underscore the power of community and corporate responsibility in ensuring justice and accountability.