Bengaluru, October 20, 2024 — A Bengaluru-based business development professional was terminated after allegedly threatening to throw acid on a woman over her clothing choices, an incident that has triggered widespread public outrage and prompted a police investigation.
The accused, identified as Nikith Shetty, is alleged to have sent a threatening personal message on October 9 to Shahbaz Ansar, a journalist and the woman’s husband.
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Shetty reportedly instructed Ansar to “kindly tell your wife to follow a good dress, especially in Karnataka, or else I may splash acid on her face,” according to screenshots shared by Ansar in an online post.
In response to the alleged threat, Ansar posted on X, formerly Twitter, tagging Karnataka’s top law enforcement and government officials, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and the Karnataka Director General of Police, asking them to take immediate action.
“This is serious. @DgpKarnataka @CMofKarnataka @DKShivakumar. 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,” Ansar’s post read.
The accused worked for Etios Services, a private Bengaluru-based firm, which has since terminated Shetty’s employment, according to the company and individuals close to the matter.
Shetty’s termination was confirmed in a statement released by Etios Services, following widespread backlash on social media.
The company distanced itself from Shetty’s behavior, calling it “absolutely unacceptable” and stating it did not reflect the company’s values.
“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 said.
Ansar expressed relief and gratitude for the swift action taken by the company. “The man who threatened my wife @KhyatiShree_ with acid attack lost his job. The company acted promptly and fired him. Thanks to everyone who made this happen,” Ansar posted on X.
Outrage Spreads Across Social Media
Ansar’s post, which included screenshots of Shetty’s message, went viral shortly after it was posted, quickly drawing reactions from social media users who condemned Shetty’s actions.
Many pointed out the hypocrisy of Shetty’s criticism, noting that his own Instagram profile picture featured him posing shirtless.
One X user commented, “He’s telling a woman how to dress, but his own display picture shows him without any clothes. The irony is palpable.”
Another user expressed frustration, writing, “Oh God, this country is doomed,” while others demanded stricter action against Shetty, with some calling for an immediate arrest.
Several users stressed the seriousness of issuing such a violent threat, emphasizing that it goes beyond free speech or opinion and enters the realm of criminal behavior.
“Issuing threats like this, especially an acid attack, isn’t just a moral lapse. It’s a crime,” one user wrote.
Another comment added, “He might be a potential rapist if he can talk like this. Authorities need to take him seriously.”
Some users used the incident to highlight the dangers faced by women who choose to dress according to their preferences, particularly in parts of India where conservative dress codes are strongly imposed, either culturally or personally.
“This is exactly why women are scared of expressing themselves. The society will condemn her but let guys like this go scot-free. This needs to change,” read one of the comments.
Ongoing Police Investigation
The Bengaluru police have opened an investigation into Shetty’s actions, though specific details of any charges are not yet confirmed.
Authorities say they are taking the incident seriously and have assigned officers to follow up on Ansar’s report.
Acid attacks in India have drawn global scrutiny, as such crimes are often driven by personal animosity or attempts to control women’s behavior.
Acid attacks are prosecuted as an offense under Section 326A of the Indian Penal Code, with convicted perpetrators facing sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.
Bengaluru law enforcement officials, while acknowledging the investigation, did not confirm whether Shetty has been formally detained or arrested.
“The matter is under active investigation, and we’re currently gathering more information to proceed with the case,” a police spokesperson said.
Employer’s Response and the Corporate Impact
Shetty’s termination was swiftly decided after a social media user notified Etios Services about the viral post.
The company issued a public statement in response, emphasizing that such behavior is inconsistent with its core principles and corporate culture.
Etios Services stated it was “committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all employees and stakeholders.”
The company’s decision to fire Shetty garnered praise on social media, with several users lauding the company’s prompt response to the incident.
However, Ansar raised concerns regarding the workplace culture at Etios Services in his online post, questioning whether it was a safe space for women.
“I don’t think women are safe in this organization (the private firm where Shetty worked),” he remarked.
Etios Services has not commented on the broader workplace environment but reiterated its commitment to strict behavioral standards.
Ongoing Cultural and Social Debate
The incident has further stirred the ongoing debate in India regarding women’s autonomy, societal expectations, and safety concerns, especially in more conservative areas.
Dress codes and modesty standards have often been contentious issues, with recent high-profile cases fueling public debate over individual rights and personal freedoms.
Acid attacks, in particular, remain a serious concern in India, where they have been used as a weapon against women as a form of “punishment” for defying societal or personal expectations.
In recent years, Indian authorities have introduced tougher laws to address the issue, with strict regulations on the sale of acid and measures aimed at helping victims of such attacks recover both physically and psychologically.
Despite the legal framework, activists argue that societal attitudes must change to address the root causes of such threats and attacks.
“Until we address the broader mindset that gives rise to these attacks, incidents like this will continue to happen,” a social activist posted in response to the news.
Law enforcement authorities and advocates are calling for increased measures to protect women’s safety and autonomy.
The police have not yet indicated if additional charges will be filed against Shetty as the case progresses, though Ansar and his supporters on social media continue to urge authorities to take strict legal action to deter similar incidents in the future.
