A right-wing activist was arrested in the southern Indian state of Kerala on Sunday over alleged remarks about women who participated in last month's student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). According to media reports, videos on TG Mohandas' YouTube channel, Pathrika, contained statements suggesting that the Delhi protests could lead to gang rape and that women attending them "like rape" and some "enjoy being raped."
Mohandas also reportedly called for police to open fire on protesters. The case was registered following a complaint alleging that his videos were intended to disturb public order and create fear and unrest. He is said to be a former member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), though the RSS has denied any association with him.
Meanwhile, Mumbai-based model Rhiya Ahir, who gained attention after standing in front of a police van carrying protesters during the CJP demonstrations, has spoken to DW about facing online abuse and threats. She said the attention had come at a "heavy price" of trolling and harassment, emphasizing that women should be able to express their views without being targeted.
Ahir referred to comments about women protesters, including that they "should be raped" and would "enjoy it," saying such remarks could influence others and should not go unchallenged. She quoted a threatening comment: "We are going to rip you apart from the middle. And nobody's going to come to lay flowers on your grave." She described the attacks as "criminal" and vowed not to let them slide.
Her comments come amid a wider online campaign targeting women who took part in the CJP-led protests, with reports of fake and AI-manipulated images, doxxing, and threats against participants. Their phone numbers and home addresses have been leaked online, along with targeted attacks against their family members.
The BJP on Monday criticized the arrest as "discriminatory" and accused the Kerala government of attempting to divert attention from other issues. The nationwide protests ended last month with the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The situation raises serious concerns about the safety of women in digital spaces and the need for accountability for online harassment.
Source: www.dw.com