Thrissur, Kerala: A social media influencer has been booked for allegedly verbally abusing transgender model and actress Deepthi Kalyani and posting defamatory content about her and her family on social media, police said on Friday.
The Thrissur City Cyber Police registered a case against Dhanya SR following a complaint filed by Kalyani with the Thrissur City Police Commissioner, according to police.
Police said the case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Information Technology Act, and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act.
The influencer, who reportedly posts content on social media under the name “Helen of Sparta,” is accused of publishing a video containing alleged derogatory remarks about Kalyani and members of her family.
Case Registered Following Deepthi Kalyani’s Complaint
The police action followed a complaint submitted by Deepthi Kalyani, a transgender model and actress.
According to police, the complaint raised concerns about alleged verbal abuse and defamatory content circulated through social media platforms.
Following the registration of the case, a preliminary investigation has begun.
Police said the accused influencer is expected to be summoned for questioning as part of the investigation.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about the content that is the subject of the complaint.
Alleged Derogatory Remarks Under Investigation
According to the police, the influencer allegedly posted a video containing derogatory comments directed at Deepthi Kalyani and her family.
The allegations are now the subject of an official police investigation.
It is important to note that the registration of a police case represents the beginning of the legal process and does not by itself establish guilt. The allegations against the accused will be subject to investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
Police are expected to examine the complaint, the social media material referred to in the complaint and other relevant evidence as part of the preliminary inquiry.
Legal Provisions Cited in the Case
Police said the case was registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act.
The case highlights the legal mechanisms available when allegations involve online abuse, defamatory content and conduct allegedly targeting transgender persons.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act provides a legal framework intended to protect transgender persons against discrimination and other prohibited forms of treatment.
However, the exact provisions applied in an individual criminal case depend on the allegations and evidence before investigating authorities.
Further details about the specific sections invoked may emerge as the investigation progresses.
Police Say Preliminary Investigation Has Begun
The Thrissur City Cyber Police have initiated a preliminary investigation following the registration of the case.
According to police, Dhanya SR will be summoned for interrogation.
Investigators may examine the social media accounts and material connected to the complaint as part of the process.
Authorities may also review relevant digital records and other available evidence.
No conclusion regarding the allegations should be drawn before the investigation is completed and the legal process proceeds.
Previous Case in Kasaragod
The influencer was reportedly booked in Kasaragod district last month in a separate case involving allegations of driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving.
According to police, her driving licence was suspended for three months following that case.
The earlier case is separate from the current complaint involving Deepthi Kalyani and should not be considered evidence regarding the allegations being investigated by the Thrissur City Cyber Police.
Online Abuse and the Need for Legal Accountability
The case has also drawn attention to the wider issue of alleged online abuse and harassment.
Social media platforms have become important spaces for public discussion and expression, but allegations of harassment, targeted abuse and defamatory material remain significant concerns.
For members of marginalised communities, including transgender persons, online abuse can raise additional questions about discrimination and targeted harassment.
Indian law contains provisions that may apply to different forms of unlawful online conduct. However, each case depends on its specific facts, the evidence available and the legal provisions invoked by investigating agencies.
The outcome of the present case will ultimately depend on the police investigation and any subsequent judicial proceedings.
What Happens Next?
Police have said that the accused will be summoned for questioning as part of the preliminary investigation.
Investigators are expected to examine the complaint and relevant digital material connected to the allegations.
Any decision on further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
At present, the case remains under investigation.
Authorities have not announced any final findings regarding the allegations.
Final Takeaway
A case has been registered by the Thrissur City Cyber Police following transgender model and actress Deepthi Kalyani’s complaint alleging verbal abuse and defamatory online content.
The influencer named in the case is accused of making derogatory remarks about Kalyani and her family through social media content. Police have begun a preliminary investigation and said the accused will be summoned for questioning.
As the matter is currently under investigation, the allegations remain subject to legal examination, and no final conclusion regarding the case should be drawn until the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings are completed.
