Woman Arrested in Connection with TikTok Influencer Esha’s Death Following Alleged Cyberbullying

A 35-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the cyberbullying and threats made against popular TikTok influencer/activist Rajeswary Appahu, known online as “Esha”. The influencer was found dead in her condominium last week, a case that has sparked significant public outcry and prompted high-level government attention.

Police arrested the 35 year old women at 1:45 AM at the Bukit Beruntung Golf Resort and is currently being held on remand at the Sentul police headquarters until July 10 to assist in the investigation. She is being investigated under several legal provisions, including Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for the improper use of network facilities or services, and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act for indecent behavior.

The police report leading to the arrest was filed by a 39-year-old man on Saturday, 6 July. He reported encountering two TikTok posts containing slanderous and threatening content directed at Esha. The posts, which used Esha’s image as the background, included profanities and crude language aimed at intimidating the influencer. Although the posts have since been deleted, police investigations have confirmed their existence through screenshots provided by the complainant.

Sentul police chief Sukarno Zahari stated that the suspect, who works as a caretaker at an elderly home, did not know Esha personally but was familiar with her through TikTok. The police are also tracking down another suspect involved in the harassment.

The tragic death of Esha, a 29-year-old influencer and Hindu rights activist, has raised urgent concerns about cyberbullying and the need for stronger enforcement and legislation. On Sunday, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the issue of cyberbullying on social media platforms would be presented at the next Cabinet meeting, as requested by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This presentation will include a report on Esha’s case and discuss potential legislative and enforcement solutions to tackle the problem.

Minister Fahmi highlighted the challenges in dealing with cyberbullying, particularly the difficulty in identifying perpetrators who hide behind fake accounts. The ministry has contacted TikTok, which has expressed its willingness to provide proactive cooperation in addressing these issues.

Esha’s family has also filed a police report, seeking justice for their daughter. The police have urged the public to refrain from uploading content that may cause anxiety and unrest in the community and have called for anyone with information regarding the incident to contact investigating officer Inspector Kumaran Krishnan at 010-9093726 or the Sentul District Police Headquarters Operations Room at 03-40482222.

As investigations continue, the community and authorities are left grappling with the devastating impact of cyberbullying and the urgent need for comprehensive measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Sources: NST , TRP Malaysia