Karnataka State Women’s Commission urges action on online abuse targeting actor Ramya
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka State Women’s Commission, in a letter sent on Monday, urged the Bengaluru Police Commissioner to take action against the surge of online abuse directed at women, including former MP and actor Ramya, following "derogatory posts" on social media, allegedly made by fans of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa.
"There is a report about derogatory messages being posted on social media against former MP and film actress Ramya. This is affecting the status of women, and the State Women's Commission has taken this matter seriously," the letter said.
A copy was shared with the media.
The Commission asked Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh to investigate the matter, take appropriate action against those responsible, and ensure that "the abusive content is removed from social media platforms."
Reports earlier indicated that Ramya (known as Divya Spandana) was planning to approach the police regarding the alleged harassment. She is said to be compiling the abusive messages to submit as part of her complaint.
On July 27, the actor shared screenshots of some of the posts on her Instagram page, claiming, "It is because of trolls with a misogynistic mindset that women and young girls are subjected to harassment, rape, and murder."
Ramya has consistently spoken out against the rising trend of online abuse targeting women, often calling out the violent and abusive nature of such trolling.
Thoogudeepa, a popular figure in the Kannada film industry, is currently out on bail in connection with the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a native of Chitradurga.
Renukaswamy, reportedly a fan of Thoogudeepa, was allegedly killed for posting derogatory remarks about Pavitra Gowda, an associate of the actor.
Thoogudeepa's fanbase, which refers to him as ‘D-Boss’, is known to "defend him aggressively on social media."
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Fadnavis rides motorcycle to Vidhan Bhavan, says PM Modi asked only for 'small sacrifices'
Mumbai (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday rode a motorcycle to the Vidhan Bhavan here and later defended the Centre's austerity measures, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi has only "asked people to make small sacrifices".
He also criticised the Opposition for creating "unnecessary controversy" over the matter, adding that questioning the PM's foreign visits - aimed at strategic alliances and economic benefits - was "sheer foolishness".
Fadnavis arrived at the Vidhan Bhavan in South Mumbai on a motorbike from his residence 'Varsha', with BJP leader and minister Ashish Shelar accompanying him, to attend the swearing-in of new members of the legislative council.
The move comes as part of the measures after PM Modi's appeal to conserve fuel and foreign exchange in view of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted global energy supplies. India relies heavily on West Asia for crude oil and gas imports.
On Wednesday, CM Fadnavis announced a series of austerity measures, including halving the number of vehicles in the convoys of his cabinet colleagues, and cancelling foreign tours of ministers and officials.
Addressing reporters here on Thursday, Fadnavis said the state government had curtailed convoys, cancelled avoidable foreign tours and decided against holding large government events for the next six months.
Targeting the Opposition, the CM said similar austerity measures had been adopted by previous governments, including during the tenures of former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and P V Narasimha Rao, as well as by former finance minister P Chidambaram in 2012.
"The Opposition needs to show some maturity. Countries across the world have taken even tougher decisions. The prime minister has only asked people to make small sacrifices while himself taking very tough decisions. Creating unnecessary controversy over this is not appropriate," he said.
Fadnavis said he travelled by motorcycle to send a message on fuel conservation, adding that symbolic actions by political leaders help spread awareness among people.
"When leaders act symbolically in this manner, the message reaches the people. That is why I came here on a motorcycle," he stressed.
The chief minister said all unnecessary foreign visits by officials and ministers had been stopped, and efforts were underway to reduce fuel consumption and save foreign exchange.
"We have reduced our convoys. Wherever petrol and diesel can be saved, wherever foreign exchange can be conserved, we are making every possible effort," he said.
Fadnavis said a major government event scheduled in Satara on Friday would, however, go ahead as it was planned in advance and expenditure had already been incurred.
He said around 25 lakh families would receive benefits valued at Rs 10,000 crore under the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana during the programme.
"After this event, however, no large government programmes will be organised over the next six months," he added.
The CM also dismissed criticism on social media over PM Modi's foreign visits, saying overseas trips aimed at strategic alliances and economic gains for the country should not be equated with avoidable travel.
"The appeal is only against unnecessary foreign travel. It does not mean businessmen should cancel important overseas deals. Criticising the prime minister's foreign visits is sheer foolishness," he said.
