Nikith Shetty: In a disturbing incident from Bengaluru, a man has been fired from his job after threatening to throw acid on a woman due to her choice of clothing. The incident highlights the urgent need for societal change regarding the treatment of women and the unacceptable nature of threats of violence.
The Incident Unfolds
The situation began when Nikith Shetty, the accused, allegedly warned a woman named Khyati Shree about her clothing choices. Her husband, Shahbaz Ansar, took to social media to seek justice, stating, “This person is threatening to throw acid on my wife’s face for her choice of clothes. Please take immediate action against this person to prevent any incident from happening.” His post on X (formerly Twitter) tagged local authorities in Karnataka, prompting a swift response from both the public and law enforcement.
Shahbaz’s plea resonated with social media users, who quickly identified Shetty’s workplace. This collective effort led to increased scrutiny and calls for accountability, highlighting the power of social media in advocating for justice.
Company Takes Action
In response to the uproar, Etios Digital Services, the marketing agency where Shetty was employed, issued a statement on Instagram. The company expressed its dismay over the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a safe work environment. They stated, “We are deeply saddened to address a serious incident involving one of our employees, Nikith Shetty, who made a threatening statement regarding another individual’s choice of clothing. This behavior is absolutely unacceptable and goes against the core values we uphold at Etios Services.”
The company further announced that Shetty’s employment had been terminated and that they had filed a formal complaint against him to ensure he faces the consequences of his actions. “As a company committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment, we have taken immediate action. Nikith’s employment has been terminated for a period of five years, and we have filed a case against him to ensure accountability for his actions,” the statement read.
Community Response
The swift action taken by Etios Digital Services has been met with gratitude from the community and advocates for women’s rights. Many individuals praised the company for its decisive response, emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for threatening behavior.
Shahbaz Ansar also expressed his appreciation for the support he received, saying, “The man who threatened my wife Khyati Shree with an acid attack lost his job. The company acted promptly and fired him. Thanks to everyone who made this happen.” His statement underlines the power of community support in addressing issues of gender-based violence and intimidation.
Legal Implications
The incident has also drawn attention to the legal framework surrounding acid attacks in India. Section 124 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) specifically addresses crimes involving attacks with acid or similar substances. It stipulates severe penalties for those who inflict permanent damage or severe harm through such acts, including potential life imprisonment and fines to cover the victim’s medical expenses.
This legal context further emphasizes the seriousness of Shetty’s threats and the importance of addressing such behavior promptly to prevent potential violence.
The Broader Impact
This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding women’s safety and the societal norms that allow harassment and threats to persist. The incident underscores the importance of educating individuals about respect and the consequences of threatening behavior.
As more individuals stand up against threats and violence, it becomes crucial for employers and communities to foster environments that support victims and hold perpetrators accountable. This collective effort can lead to significant change in attitudes and behaviors, ensuring that women feel safe and respected in their choices.
The firing of Nikith Shetty and the subsequent legal actions taken against him mark a significant step toward addressing threats of violence against women. By standing together, communities can create a safer environment for everyone, reinforcing the message that threats and intimidation will not be tolerated. The swift response by both the authorities and the employer demonstrates a growing recognition of the need for accountability and the protection of women’s rights.