Anasuya Bharadwaj Takes Legal Action Against Online Harassment
Tollywood actress and anchor Anasuya Bharadwaj has filed a formal police complaint to combat severe online harassment. She reported facing extensive abuse on social media platforms. This was not ordinary trolling according to her complaint.
Nature of the Abuse
The harassment included morphed photographs and AI-generated videos. It also involved sexual comments and direct threats. Reports indicate these materials were widely shared to damage her reputation and intimidate her personally.
Cybercrime police have registered a First Information Report against forty-two individuals following her complaint. The police acted promptly on her detailed submission.
Anasuya's Statement About the Experience
Anasuya Bharadwaj provided a clear account of her ordeal in her official statement. She emphasized this went beyond simple trolling. The actress faced sexual remarks, threats, and obscene content created using advanced technology.
The 'Pushpa' actress specifically highlighted the use of artificial intelligence to produce fake visuals and videos targeting her. She stated this malicious activity harmed her personal honor and created genuine safety concerns.
Anasuya described this as more than psychological distress. She characterized it as a direct assault on her professional work, public life, and fundamental dignity as a woman.
Police Response and Legal Framework
Cybercrime authorities registered the case under stringent legal provisions. The FIR invokes multiple Indian Penal Code sections including 75, 79, 336(4), 351, and 356. Police also applied Information Technology Act sections 66E and 67.
These legal sections typically address serious cyber offenses, sexual harassment cases, and defamation matters. Their application indicates the gravity authorities assign to this complaint.
Earlier Apology to Actress Raasi
Anasuya Bharadwaj made news earlier this year for another reason. On January 10, she issued a public apology to fellow actress Raasi after an old comedy skit resurfaced online.
The controversial clip originated from three years ago. It contained double-meaning jokes directed at Raasi. Anasuya accepted responsibility and posted a lengthy explanation on social media platform X amid criticism.
She wrote, "Dear RAASI garu. My sincere apologies to you. In a show I did three years ago in a skit on not being able to speak Telugu properly I used your name to utter a double-meaning dialogue."
The 'Bheeshma Parvam' actress continued, "I should have confronted the people who wrote and directed this that day but I didn't have the strength to do so at that time. That was a mistake. Please accept my apologies. I can't go back and fix it now."
Anasuya reflected on personal growth in her message. She noted, "People change and evolve." She explained she has distanced herself from such content and now faces targeting for advocating women's safety issues.
She concluded, "I am more stronger and empowered than before to question the narratives built around women's bodies. Hope you understand and lend your support. Wishing you well ma'am."
