Serious questions are being raised after Hindu women received rape and death threats online, highlighting concerns about growing hostility, misuse of social media, and lack of protection for women who choose to speak out
NEW DELHI — Three separate incidents have brought fresh attention to growing online hate, the safety of women, and rising hostility against Muslims in the country, after three women—Soumya, businesswoman Namita Thapar and Prof Sumathi—faced abuse and threats for their actions and views.
In one case, a young woman in Greater Noida stood up against the harassment of a Muslim couple late at night. In another, a well-known entrepreneur spoke on the health benefits of namaz. And the professor from Coimbatore’s Kongunadu Arts and Science College penned an open letter of apology to Nida Khan, expressing remorse for the suffering she has endured at the hands of federal agencies and the media trial in the Nashik’s Tata Consultative Services scandal. These incidents, though different in nature, have led to a similar outcome: threats, abuse, and questions about the direction society is taking.
The first incident took place on the night of 16 April in the Gaur City 2 area of Greater Noida in the White Orchid Market locality.
According to accounts shared by Soumya, a man allegedly under the influence of alcohol began questioning a Muslim couple about their identity. He reportedly asked for their names and relationship, focusing particularly on the woman’s hijab.
Eyewitness videos show the man demanding identification and raising questions based on their appearance. The situation became tense as the couple appeared uncomfortable and tried to leave.
Soumya, who was present at the scene, intervened.
In the video, she can be heard asking the man, “Who gave you the right to ask someone’s identity like this?” She also questioned the logic of judging people based on clothing, saying such behaviour was wrong.
Others present at the location also began objecting to the man’s conduct.
The situation worsened when the accused reportedly tried to stop the couple from leaving and continued questioning their relationship.
Soumya later said that the man admitted to drinking alcohol and tried to assert authority by claiming he was a police officer.
“We kept telling him to stop, but he did not listen,” she said.
She added that the man was pressuring the couple to show identification and was behaving aggressively.
Fearing further escalation, Soumya recorded the incident and advised the couple to leave safely.
In a video shared later on social media, Soumya explained her actions.
“I did not act because of religion,” she said. “It was around 11 pm, and a woman was being mistreated. I simply stood up as a human being.”
She added, “In such situations, whether someone is Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or Sikh does not matter. What matters is what is right.”
Her intervention was initially praised by many online users, who called her actions brave.
Following the incident, police arrested the accused, identified as Mukesh Kumar.
A case was registered at Bisrakh police station under relevant sections, and further investigation is ongoing.
Officials confirmed that the matter is being taken seriously and legal procedures are underway.
However, what followed next has raised concern.
Soumya later released another video stating that she has been receiving rape and death threats on social media.
She said, “People are abusing me, calling me names, and even threatening me with gang rape. My family is also being dragged into this.”
She questioned why people were targeting her instead of condemning the man seen misbehaving in the video.
“The person holding a bottle and creating trouble is not being questioned. Instead, I am being blamed,” she said.
Soumya also claimed that some users were accusing her of being “anti-religion.”
“They are saying I have converted, calling me names, and using abusive language,” she said.
She clarified that she did not record the video for publicity.
“I could have been harmed, too. I made the video because people around said it could serve as proof for the police,” she explained.
She has indicated that she plans to file complaints against those issuing threats.
In a separate development, businesswoman Namita Thapar has also come under heavy online criticism.
Namita, known for her role in a pharmaceutical company and as a television personality, recently shared a video discussing the health benefits of namaz.
The video was posted after Eid and focused on the physical and mental aspects of the prayer.
She described namaz as “a beautiful spiritual practice” and said the movements involved could be beneficial for the body and help improve focus.
Soon after the video was shared, it triggered strong reactions online.
Some social media users accused her of supporting a particular religion. The criticism quickly turned into abusive comments.
Namita later addressed the issue in a video message.
“I have been facing abuse for the past three weeks,” she said. “People are not only targeting me but also my family, including my mother.”
She clarified that her comments were made from a health perspective.
“As a health professional, I spoke about physical benefits. It was not about promoting any religion,” she said.
Namita also questioned why similar reactions were not seen when she spoke about practices from other religions.
“I have made videos on Hindu festivals, yoga, and Surya Namaskar. Nobody had a problem then,” she said. “Why does it become an issue when I talk about something from another religion?”
She stressed that religion should be about respect, especially when it comes to women.
Like Soumya, Namita also reported receiving rape and death threats.
She said that many messages were abusive and personal in nature.
In her response to trolls, she said, “You continue doing what you are doing. I am a proud Hindu, and I believe in karma. God is watching everything.”
In Coimbatore, Prof Sumathi emphasised shared humanity over religious divides and stated that society failed to protect Nida Khan, acting against silence regarding injustice.
She expressed deep remorse as a Hindu woman, citing the need for solidarity with Nida Khan and stating that such pain transcends religious lines.
According to posts on the social media platform X, reported by journalist Rana Ayyub, the professor received backlash, including threats, following the publication of her open letter.
This gesture was part of a larger conversation regarding communal harmony, public support for victims, and the targeting of individuals who express empathy across religious lines.
These two cases have raised wider concerns about the safety of women who speak out or take a stand.
Both Soumya and Namita acted in different situations—one in a public space and the other through a social media post—but faced similar backlash.
Activists and observers say the nature of threats, especially those involving sexual violence, is worrying.
One social media user commented, “Why is it that women who speak up are targeted with such threats? This is not just about religion; it is about safety.”
The incidents have also highlighted concerns about increasing online hate.
Experts point out that social media platforms are often used to spread abuse without accountability.
A digital rights observer said, “Threats of rape and murder are serious crimes. These should not be dismissed as online behaviour.”
There are also concerns about how such hostility may discourage people from speaking out.
Another issue being discussed is the perceived silence in response to such cases.
Namita, in her statement, questioned why there is strong reaction in some cases but not in others.
“When women’s rights are discussed, everyone speaks. But when women are abused like this, why is there silence?” she asked.
The three cases have led to calls for stronger action against those issuing threats online.
Legal experts say that such threats fall under criminal law and should be investigated properly. “There are clear provisions in law against issuing threats and harassment online,” a legal expert said. “Authorities must act promptly.”
These incidents have led to a larger question: Has it become risky to speak in support of others or express a positive view about a community?
Soumya helped a couple in distress. Namita spoke about the health benefits of a practice. Prof Sumathi emphasised shared humanity over religious divides and stated that society failed to protect Nida Khan, acting against silence regarding injustice.
And yet they faced hostility.
Observers say the focus should remain on facts and behaviour rather than identity.
The cases reflect a growing challenge in today’s environment—where speaking up, helping others, or sharing views can lead to backlash.
At the centre of the issue are concerns about women’s safety, misuse of social media, and rising intolerance.
As investigations continue and discussions grow, many are asking whether enough is being done to protect those who stand up for what they believe is right.
