After being targeted by social media trolls, Bollywood actor Sonakshi Sinha had quit Twitter a few months back. The incident led her to run an online campaign aimed at spreading awareness on cyber security and the effect of online harassment on individuals.
‘Mission’ Josh and Cyber Baap’s Ritesh Bhatia helped in identifying the harassers after Sonakshi faced abuse and threats on her Instagram page. Sonakshi’s team then approached Mumbai Police’s cyber crime branch to file an FIR against the culprits. Six days after filing the FIR, 27-year-old Shashikant Jadhav was arrested from Aurangabad.
DCP of Mumbai Cyber Crime Branch, Dr Rashmi Karandikar said, “We have arrested the accused. Mumbai police cyber cell continues to play a role in making internet a safe place. Also, women safety has always been our priority. Cyber bullying and cyber stalking is a punishable offence. And we all should work in the direction of making internet safe for all.”
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Responding to Mumbai Police’s ‘prompt action’, Sonakshi said in a statement, “I am immensely grateful to cyber crime branch Mumbai for taking prompt action and being so supportive. I took this step to report the culprits so that even others gather the courage to do the same. Ab Bas, we will not watch and allow online abuse happen to us or others. I am extremely glad to be part of a campaign like this to help as many people as I can, who have been subjected to online harassment.”
Sonakshi shared a video on Instagram urging everyone to report any case of online abuse. The caption read, “Giving back is a hundred times better than giving up! Sharing a glimpse of the final episode that raises our voice against cyber bullies kyunki #AbBas #FullStopToCyberBullying, Chapter 5 out soon! @missionjoshofficial @mansidhanak @vinavb @unicefindia #TannishthaDatta @swati_maliwal @rakshit.tandon Tandon @studiounees @aasthakhandpur @mumbaipolice.”
