Geethanjali ended life due to severe political trolling: Guntur SP

Guntur: A day after 32-year-old Geethanjali, a resident of Sharab Bazar in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh, succumbed to suicide on March 11, Guntur SP Tushar Dudi said that she was forced to end her life after she became a target of online trolls following her viral fame.

How Geetanjali went viral

Geethanjali, a mother of two children, came into the spotlight after she was recognised as a beneficiary of the Jagananna Housing Scheme. She was given a plot for free under the scheme during a public program, and elated over this, Geethanjali praised chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government on camera for making her dream a reality.

“I haven’t paid any money for the plot. Instead, I received benefits such as Amma Vodi, a pension for my father-in-law, financial assistance through YSR Cheyutha for my mother-in-law, and now, my dream house,” said Geethanjali in the video speaking to a media outlet.

The video went viral on social media. The X (formerly Twitter) handle of the ruling YSRCP even named her ‘Star Campaigner.’

Political trolling followed fame

Following this, she was subjected to severe trolling and comments on social media from many pages.

“On March 7, at around 11 am, Geethanjali attempted suicide by trying to stand before an oncoming train. She was severely injured and was shifted to a hospital. However, she died at the hospital on March 11. Investigation revealed that constant online trolling on her video made her upset. She could not bear those comments and took the extreme step,” the SP informed the media.

“After investigation, it came to light that Geethanjali gave interviews to some media channels, which went viral on social media and attracted trolls. The language used by trolls does not have any place in the civilized world. Not only Geethanjali, her family members were also trolled which forced her to resort to suicide,” said the SP.

“What Geethanjali went through is disturbing. A video where she was excited about developments in her life led to her death. We have got a few digital footprints and identified a few social media handles. Few handles are handled by the original owners, while others are fake,” said the SP.

The SP requested all women to approach the police and file complaints whenever they encounter cyberbullying.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy instructed government authorities to extend an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 20 lakh and provide comprehensive assistance to Geetanjali's bereaved family.

Protesting against the death of Geetanjali, YSR Congress Party activists from Nandigama organized a protest at Gandhi Center and burned the effigy of local TDP leader Sajja Ajay, who is suspected to be one of the perpetrators behind the incident. Sajja Ajay trolled Geetanjali on social media and made derogatory comments against her.