A Disturbing Trend: Social Media Threats Against Vamika Kohli Expose Systemic Flaws
In a horrifying turn of events, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s two-year-old daughter Vamika received ra** threats on social media. This is the second time such an incident has occurred. Understandably, the public is appalled, as seen from vehement reactions on social platforms. “Arrest this vile creature,” said one comment, expressing the sentiment of many. A Twitter account, seemingly belonging to a BTS fan, has been identified as the source of this threat, and is now suspended.
The Earlier Incident: An Unfortunate Precedent
Shockingly, this isn’t a singular incident. Previously, Vamika faced a similar threat on October 24, 2021. At that time, India had lost the T20 World Cup to Pakistan, and Mohammad Shami was the target of trolling for his performance and religion. Virat Kohli stood up for Shami, which led to Ramnagesh Srinivas Akubathini, a techie from Hyderabad, issuing the threat against Vamika, who was then just 10 months old.
Legal Proceedings: The Initial Response
Virat and Anushka acted immediately. An FIR got registered under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the IT Act. The couple seemed to be doing everything right to protect their child and set a legal precedent against cyber threats.
Quashing the FIR: A Controversial Decision
However, the plot took a twist. Akubathini pleaded to have the FIR against him quashed as he planned to study abroad. Remarkably, he claimed to be a meritorious student and even submitted an appreciation letter from his employer. Additionally, he argued that IP address tracing wasn’t conclusive proof against him. Consequently, Virat and Anushka provided a no-objection certificate to the Bombay High Court, leading to the quashing of the FIR.
Public Outcry: Was the Decision a Mistake?
The public thinks this decision was a mistake. By quashing the FIR, some argue that the couple inadvertently sent a message that such actions can go unpunished, especially if the perpetrator has a promising future. This begs the question: does meritocracy serve as a shield for committing vile acts?
Cyber Law Loopholes: A Growing Concern
This incident also exposes the inadequacy of our cyber laws. The argument against IP address tracing reveals potential loopholes in the identification and prosecution of online perpetrators. If this is an insufficient means of establishing guilt, what alternative measures are we considering?
Accountability and Precedence: The Way Forward
It’s crucial to remember that the victims here are not just Virat, Anushka, and Vamika, but society at large. When threats like these go unaddressed or inadequately penalized, they set a dangerous precedent. This laxity could encourage other would-be perpetrators, making social media an even more toxic space than it already is.
ALSO READ Piyush Chawla Makes A Bold Exclusion While Picking His Indian Squad For World Cup 2023
Time for Collective Action
Instances like these should serve as an alarm bell, demanding better legal frameworks and social media protocols. They also call for public discourse that neither glorifies nor minimizes the actions of the perpetrator, regardless of their academic or professional background. The Kohli family’s ordeal is a grim reminder that the threats looming in the virtual world have very real consequences, and as a society, we need to do better.
