Anupama Parameswaran exposes online harassment, finds culprit

Actress Anupama Parameswaran, who was recently in the news for her diverse lineup of Tamil and Telugu films such as “Paradha,” “Kishkindhapuri,” and “Bison,” has opened up about being a victim of targeted online harassment.

In a detailed statement, Anupama revealed that she came across an Instagram profile spreading morphed pictures and baseless allegations against her, her family, and her co-actors. The same person, she said, had created multiple fake accounts to post malicious comments on every post related to her.

Distressed by the repeated trolling, Anupama promptly lodged a complaint with the Kerala Cyber Crime Police, who responded swiftly and identified the individual behind the activity. To her surprise, the culprit turned out to be a 20-year-old girl from Tamil Nadu.

However, instead of naming and shaming the person, Anupama chose empathy. “Considering her young age, I have decided not to reveal her identity. I don’t want to ruin her future or peace of mind,” she wrote.

At the same time, she issued a strong reminder to netizens: “Owning a smartphone or having access to social media doesn’t give anyone the right to harass or defame others. Every action online leaves a trace, and accountability will follow.”

The actress confirmed that legal proceedings have begun and stressed that cyberbullying is a punishable offence.

Here’s Anupama Parameswaran’s full statement:

A few days ago, it came to my notice that an Instagram profile was circulating extremely inappropriate and false content about me, my family, and even tagging my friends and co-actors. The posts included morphed pictures and baseless allegations it was deeply distressing to witness such targeted harassment online. Further investigation revealed that the same individual had created multiple fake accounts with the sole intention of spreading hate by posting and commenting malicious content on every post related to me. Upon becoming aware of this, I immediately filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Police in Kerala. Their response was prompt and efficient, and with their assistance, the person behind these activities was identified.

To my surprise, it turned out to be a 20-year-old girl from Tamil Nadu. Considering her young age, I have chosen not to disclose her identity, as I do not wish to compromise her future or peace of mind. However, I am sharing this incident to make one thing very clear owning a smartphone or having access to social media platforms does not give anyone the right to harass, defame, or spread hatred against others. Every action online leaves a trace, and accountability will follow.”