Rape, death threats against actor Ramya: 2 arrested as police investigate link to post on Renukaswamy murder

Bengaluru police on Saturday arrested two people who sent rape and death threats to Kannada actor Ramya alias Divya Spandana.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said the police have identified 11 other people for posting "abusive content" on social media targeting Ramya who was former Mandya MP. They will be arrested soon, according to Singh.

Ramya alias Divya Spandana met the commissioner on July 28 and lodged a complaint against 43 social media accounts from which she received obscene messages and threats. The investigation by the Central Crime Branch and the cyber crime police identified 13 accounts which were actively involved in the abuse.

The cyber abuse started after Ramya shared a news article on July 24 about the Supreme Court proceedings in the Renukaswamy murder case and sought justice for the victim's family. The main accused in the case is Kannada actor Darshan.

Police are investigating if these individuals are fans of actor Darshan.

Ramya took to X on Saturday to thank Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara as well as the police commissioner and the CCB team for quickly acting on the issue. She said the city police have taken a strong stance on aggression against women.

"The message is clear: It is difficult to escape the hand of law when it comes to protecting women’s dignity and ensuring safety in our city," the actor posted.

On July 30, Ramya, while speaking to NDTV, said Darshan should urge his fans not to sent rape and murder threats to those who speak out against him.

"It's not too late for him to tell his fans that this is not okay. Because I see no difference between what Renukaswamy sent and what his fans are sending. If you think that is wrong, then why is this not wrong," she told the TV channel.

India