What happens when calls for accountability turn into threats of violence? The recent controversy surrounding content creator Apoorva Mukhija sheds light on a troubling digital reality—one where public criticism quickly escalates into targeted online abuse, particularly against women. As the internet becomes a battleground for social discourse, a disturbing pattern emerges: digital mobs seeking "justice" through harassment, often with threats that cross into criminal territory.




From Controversy to Digital Attacks: The Apoorva Mukhija Case
Apoorva Mukhija, an actress and digital creator, became the center of a social media storm following a remark she made on
India’s Got Latent, a YouTube show hosted by comedian Samay Raina. Her comment, deemed offensive by some, triggered an immediate backlash. What began as public criticism soon spiraled into something more insidious—rape threats, cyberstalking, and mass online harassment.



As the controversy gained traction, legal authorities, including the National Commission for Women (NCW), stepped in. Mukhija recorded her statement with the Mumbai Police, clarifying that the show was unscripted and that she was not compensated for her appearance. However, rather than allowing legal proceedings to take their course, social media outrage took an extreme turn, blurring the lines between accountability and digital vigilantism.



Cyber Harassment and the Weaponization of OutrageThe internet has become a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows individuals to demand accountability; on the other, it enables unchecked harassment. A single viral controversy can escalate into large-scale digital attacks, where criticism is replaced with personal threats and intimidation.




Content creator Ridha Tharana highlighted this pattern, stating,
"I've never doubted that some people hate women simply for being women—just for breathing, existing, loving themselves, and daring to grow. A woman could have the same issue as anyone else, but the fact that she's a woman always makes it worse."



This is not an isolated phenomenon. Research shows that women, particularly those in public spaces, are disproportionately targeted with rape threats and violent language. The nature of online abuse often follows a pattern: first, public outrage; then, coordinated harassment; and finally, the justification of threats under the guise of free speech.




The Legal and Ethical Boundaries of Free Speech
The right to free expression is often cited as a defense for online behavior, but under Indian law, speech that incites violence or threatens harm is not protected. Sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act criminalize cyberstalking, harassment, and threats of sexual violence. Yet, enforcement remains inconsistent, and perpetrators continue to act with impunity.



While public figures are expected to face scrutiny, the shift from criticism to targeted harassment raises fundamental questions about digital safety. At what point does "calling someone out" become an act of intimidation? And when does outrage become a tool for silencing rather than accountability?



Prevalence of Online Harassment


Data indicates a pervasive issue of online abuse:

• A survey by Plan International revealed that 58% of women have encountered online harassment or abuse, with 19% reducing their social media use as a result.


• The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported a significant rise in cybercrimes against children in India, with cases increasing from 305 in 2019 to 1,102 in 2020.

These statistics highlight the alarming frequency of cyber harassment, affecting both women and minors.



Social Media’s Role in Amplifying HateDespite community guidelines against hate speech, harmful content often remains accessible for extended periods. Reports of abuse are frequently met with delayed action, allowing digital attacks to escalate unchecked. The nature of social media algorithms—where engagement-driven content gains visibility—further amplifies outrage, creating a cycle where controversy fuels interaction, and interaction fuels harassment.




Even when individuals report abuse, the responses are often insufficient. Threats remain online, perpetrators face no real consequences, and the victim is left to deal with the psychological toll. The lack of a functional deterrent raises a critical issue: is online abuse an unavoidable byproduct of digital engagement, or a result of platforms failing to act?



Beyond One Case: The Larger Issue of Digital SafetyThe Apoorva Mukhija case is not just about one controversy; it reflects a broader reality where online harassment is normalized, particularly against women. If calls for justice include threats of violence, can they still be considered justice? If online outrage justifies intimidation, what does it say about the ethics of digital discourse?



The conversation around cyber harassment is no longer about isolated incidents—it is about a system that allows abuse to thrive under the guise of free speech. As social media continues to shape public conversations, the challenge remains: how do we define accountability without enabling digital violence?