Raipur
Renowned RTI activist and social worker from Raipur, Kunal Shukla, has filed an FIR against 55-year-old Nilesh Raichura, a resident of Dhamtari. According to the complaint, Raichura had been making obscene, derogatory, and vulgar remarks about Shukla’s family, including his wife and young daughter, on social media platform Twitter (X) for several months.
Increased Tension Due to Targeting of Family
Initially, Kunal Shukla ignored these posts, but as the frequency and intensity of the harassment increased, disturbing his family’s peace, he decided to take legal action. On September 19, 2024, he submitted a complaint to the Superintendent of Police in Raipur, which was found to be valid upon investigation. Consequently, on February 19, 2025, Kotwali Police registered a case under Section 296 of the Indian Penal Code (obscene acts).
Shukla shared his distress, saying, “Our daily routine has been completely disrupted. My family no longer feels at ease. The derogatory comments targeting my young daughter have deeply hurt us. A sense of fear has taken hold of our minds.”
The Growing Problem of Offensive Language on Social Media
This incident is not isolated but rather a reflection of the moral decline on digital platforms. Over the past few years, social media platforms have become breeding grounds for hostility, verbal abuse, and personal attacks. Trolling, vulgar language, and defamation have become common, with families and women particularly targeted.
The question arises: what kind of mindset drives people to engage in such behavior?
Experts suggest that such individuals often suffer from personal frustration, psychological imbalance, or a tendency to demean others. The anonymity of the internet further encourages such criminal acts.
Legal Aspects: What Does the Law Say?
India has several legal provisions to address offensive and obscene remarks on social media:
1. Section 354D of the IPC – Up to three years’ imprisonment for online stalking of women.
2. 2. Section 67 of the IT Act – Punishment and fines for posting obscene and objectionable content.
3. Sections 499 and 500 of the IPC – Up to two years’ imprisonment for defamation.
4.Section 506 of the IPC – Up to seven years’ imprisonment for issuing threats.
What Can Be Done?
• Social media platforms must enforce stricter regulations to curb offensive language and personal attacks.
• Cyber police need to be more proactive in ensuring swift resolution of complaints.
• Public awareness of legal rights must be increased so that victims do not remain silent but take appropriate action.
• The government should implement stricter laws to safeguard families from digital harassment.
This incident is a stark reminder that social media is no longer just a platform for free expression but has also become an outlet for frustration and harassment. The internet is increasingly being misused by individuals who vent their personal frustrations and mental disorders through abusive and offensive remarks.
Kunal Shukla’s battle is not just about his family—it is a fight for the safety and dignity of all families. Victims should not remain silent but instead take legal action to set an example for society.
(Rajiv Khare Bureau Chief Chhattisgarh)
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