A tragic loss in Andhra Pradesh 32-year-old Geetanjali Devi from Andhra Pradesh was overjoyed after receiving a housing plot from the state government under a housing scheme for low-income people.
In a viral video, she expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy for fulfilling her dream of homeownership. Little did she know this innocent expression of gratitude would lead to her tragic demise.
Soon after the video went viral, Geetanjali started facing vicious trolling on social media from supporters of opposition parties TDP and JSP.
Crude and derogatory remarks about her financial situation and her praise for the CM were passed. Being a small village resident, she wasn’t accustomed to such online bullying.
The unrelenting mistreatment severely damaged Geetanjali and her family. She plunged into a deep despair because she could not handle the humiliation.
In a state of complete hopelessness, Geetanjali committed suicide on March 7th by plunging in front of a moving train. Her two little girls, who have since lost their mother, are left behind.
The state is inconsolable over her demise. The ruling YSRCP said that she took the drastic measure because of harmful trolling.
The Women’s Commission promised to pursue those responsible for her online harassment. If the accusations are accurate, it will be a sobering reminder of the harmful effects that social media abuse can have on weaker individuals.
The tragic incident of Geetanjali has sparked a conversation on the need to stop internet abuse and shield people—especially women—from harmful conduct. Not only does her premature passing grieve her family, but society as a whole.
