The influencer who was arrested in relation to the cyberbullying incident that resulted in content creator Rajeswary Appahu (also affectionately known as Esha) taking her own life, pleaded guilty at the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court today (July 16) on the charge of using abusive words to provoke anger.
According to a report by Malaysia Gazette, the act was carried out by 35-year-old Shalini Periasamy, using the TikTok account ‘Alphaquinnsha’.
Shalini, who was present with 2 individuals who are believed to be her father and her husband, appeared calm when the charge was read before the Sessions Court Judge, Arunjothy M Selvaraju.
Immediately after the charge was read out, Shalini, who works as a housekeeper for an old folks home, admitted her wrongdoing and shared that she has repented from the incident.
The judge then imposed a fine of RM100 or 7 days in jail if the fine is not paid.
Kosmo also reported that a lorry driver, who is also a netizen involved in the same case, was also charged with 2 counts of making obscene and shameful communications on TikTok.
44-year-old Sathiskumar Balakrishnan pleaded guilty to the first charge of obscene communications but pleaded not guilty to the second charge of causing disgrace.
Sathiskumar is accused of knowingly making and initiating transmissions of an obscene nature with the intention of offending others through TikTok.
He was charged under section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588] and punishable under Section 233(3) of the same act.
The section provides for a fine of not more than RM50,000 or imprisonment for not more than a year or both.
Do you think the punishment fits the crime? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: Deceased Cyberbully Victim was a Whistleblower, Reported Cosmetic Product Containing Mercury
