Ramya targets online abuse, plans complaint against fans of Darshan over vile threats

Kannada actress and former MP Ramya has announced plans to file a formal police complaint against fans of actor Darshan, alleging a wave of online abuse including rape and death threats. The threats, she says, intensified after she spoke out on social media regarding the Renukaswamy murder case, in which Darshan is one of the key accused.

Ramya told India Today that she has already contacted her legal team. “I've got in touch with my lawyers, and we're just trying to collate all the messages and put them together for the complaint,” she said. The actress added that she is scheduled to meet the Bengaluru Police Commissioner regarding the matter. “The commissioner is giving me time today, so I will be going and meeting him,” she stated. Ramya, who has served as a Member of Parliament in the past, condemned the pattern of online threats. “It's pathetic and very sad that abusing women on social media has become a norm. The trolls are getting away with it,” she said.

Recalling the disturbing nature of some of the messages, she added, “‘Instead of Renukaswamy, you should have been murdered.’ They issued rape and death threats. And the usual cuss words. I realised that there is no difference between what Renukaswamy did and what his fans are doing.”

Ramya, however, noted that not all responses have been hateful. “I'm quite surprised on social media the kind of support I've received,” she shared.

In June 2024, actor Darshan was arrested in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga. The victim had allegedly made derogatory remarks against Darshan’s associate, Pavithra Gowda. Both Darshan and Gowda were granted bail in December last year.

Recently, the Supreme Court of India expressed strong reservations about the Karnataka High Court’s decision to grant bail to Darshan. The apex court has reserved its verdict on the state government’s plea to cancel the bail.

Ramya’s move to involve the police highlights growing concerns around online safety and unchecked abuse targeting public figures, especially women, in India’s digital spaces.