Susila Appahu, 34 paying her last respects to her sister Rajeawary Appahu. Funeral of Rajeswary Appahu @ Esha who took her life after becoming a victim of cyberbullying by a man on social media for several weeks. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The mother of the late Hindu activist, Rajeswary Appahu, lodged a police report against four individuals for allegedly disrupting an ongoing police investigation related to a cyberbullying case involving her daughter.
Puspa Rajagopal, 56, said the individuals were misleading and confusing the public by discussing the case on social media and were talking badly about Rajeshwary, also known as Esha.
“In the live videos, they said my daughter was insolent. What they’ve done (discussing the case on TikTok in such a manner) hurt me. Even the police had warned (the public) not to speculate and disrupt the investigation,” she told reporters after filing the report at Gombak police headquarters on Friday (July 12) evening.
Puspa said that the individuals—including a former police officer turned TikTok live host—streamed several TikTok live broadcasts between the early mornings of July 7 and July 12.
In the police report sighted by The Star, Puspa said that the statements made by the individuals through the live videos intentionally incited racial tensions in Malaysia.
Rajeswary had fallen victim to harassment by a group of people well known for their alleged thuggery on TikTok.
The group, comprising men and women, allegedly carry out their bullying antics both online and offline.
On July 4, Rajeswary had lodged a police report over threats made against her before her death.
The 30-year-old activist named two individuals in her report lodged at the Dang Wangi police station, alleging they were cyberbullying her on social media.
Rajeswary was found dead in her apartment a day after she lodged the report.
Several individuals have since been detained in links with the investigation.
Those suffering from mental health issues or contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim's Family, Social and Community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929), visit www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a complete list of numbers and operating hours, or email sam@befrienders.org.my.
