The Ernakulam Central Police in Kerala have launched an intensive investigation into the social media harassment case involving prominent Malayalam actor Honey Rose. Following her complaint about sexually explicit and derogatory comments on her social media posts, the police have intensified their monitoring efforts to ensure her safety and bring the culprits to justice. On Monday, January 6, 2025, Honey Rose personally appeared at the police station to provide her statement, highlighting her commitment to addressing this issue head-on.
Honey Rose Stands against Online Harrassment
So far, the police have arrested one of the 30 accused individuals named in the actor’s complaint. The arrested individual, identified as Shaji, a 60-year-old resident of Kumbalam, was granted interim bail by the court on the same day of his arrest, with instructions to reappear on Tuesday. The case has been registered under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (sexual harassment) and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act (punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form). These charges are classified as non-bailable, reflecting the severity of the offense.
The Ernakulam Central Police are maintaining a vigilant watch over Honey Rose’s social media accounts. They are actively working to retrieve offensive comments that have surfaced post-complaint and have vowed to take immediate action against any new incidents of harassment. According to police sources, efforts are underway to identify all individuals involved and to ensure that the law takes its course.
Shortly after the initial arrest, Honey Rose took to Facebook to share her thoughts and “declare war” against individuals who perpetuate harassment online. She positioned herself as a representative of countless women who endure similar ordeals on social media platforms.
In her post, she made it clear: “I have not appeared at any public function wearing any dress not permitted by the Indian legal system. I am not responsible for individuals creating their own legal system based on their thoughts.”
Honey Rose emphasized her willingness to accept constructive criticism about her appearance or attire, provided it adheres to reasonable boundaries of respect. However, she issued a stern warning to anyone engaging in sexually charged innuendos, affirming her commitment to utilizing the protections afforded to women under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Industry lends support to Honey Rose
The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) has come forward in solidarity with Honey Rose. The organization condemned the targeted social media attacks and assured her of their unwavering support. This collective backing from her industry peers has added weight to her fight against online harassment.
In her social media post on Sunday, Honey Rose alleged that an individual, whose name she withheld, had been stalking her. This person reportedly resorted to veiled threats and humiliating comments after she declined an invitation to participate in certain events. The actor claimed that the individual’s actions appeared retaliatory, as they attended functions she was invited to and made disrespectful remarks about women. These incidents formed the basis of her complaint and subsequent legal action.
This case shines a spotlight on the broader issue of online harassment, particularly against women in public life. Honey Rose’s decision to confront the matter underscores the urgent need for stricter implementation of cyber laws and societal awareness. The charges filed—sexual harassment under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and transmission of obscene material under the IT Act—serve as a deterrent to those who believe they can hide behind the anonymity of the internet.
The ongoing investigation into this case could set a precedent for how online harassment cases are handled in India. Honey Rose’s courage in standing up against her harassers sends a powerful message to victims of similar abuse: justice is attainable, and silence is not the only option. As the legal proceedings unfold, this case could encourage more individuals to report incidents of online abuse. It also raises important questions about the role of social media platforms in curbing harassment and protecting their users.
Honey Rose’s ordeal highlights a growing issue in the digital age—the misuse of social media to demean and harass individuals. By taking a firm stand, the actor has not only sought justice for herself but has also become a beacon of hope for countless women who face similar challenges. Her determination, coupled with the support of law enforcement and her industry, underscores the importance of resilience and collective action in addressing online harassment.
