Bengaluru Man Fired After Threatening Acid Attack Over Woman’s Clothing Choice

A disturbing case in Bengaluru saw a man named Nikith Shetty lose his job after threatening a woman with an acid attack over her clothing choices. The threat, delivered via Instagram, targeted the woman, an influencer, and quickly gained public attention after her husband, journalist Shahbaz Ansar, exposed the matter on social media and lodged a formal police complaint. The incident has reignited conversations about the persistent issue of harassment faced by women and raised important questions about workplace safety and accountability.

The incident came to public attention when Ansar took to Twitter, posting a screenshot of the threatening message his wife received from Shetty. In his post, he tagged high-profile officials, including the Director General of Police (DGP) of Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, asking them to intervene immediately. "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 tweeted.

Ansar also revealed that Shetty worked for Etios Digital Services, an IT company, and expressed his concerns over the safety of women at the organization. “The person who was threatening my wife with an acid attack works for Etios Digital Services. I don’t think women are safe in this organisation,” he wrote. The post garnered attention quickly, with many calling for swift justice and action.

The uproar on social media and the seriousness of the threat prompted the company to take immediate action. Etios Digital Services terminated Shetty’s employment, making it clear that such behavior was intolerable and in direct violation of the company’s core values. In a public statement posted on Instagram, the company expressed deep regret over the incident and emphasized its commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful work environment.

"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 stated. They also mentioned that they had filed a case against Shetty to ensure accountability and legal repercussions for his actions.

The company's statement went on to underscore their stance on harassment and violence, reiterating their zero-tolerance policy towards any form of misconduct. "As a company committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment, we have taken immediate action. Nikith's employment has been terminated for a period of five years, and we have filed a case against him to ensure accountability for his actions," they said. The mention of a five-year employment ban was seen as a strong message that the company was serious about upholding its ethical standards.

In a follow-up tweet, Shahbaz Ansar confirmed the firing, thanking the company and the public for their support. “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,” he wrote, adding a note of relief that the immediate threat had been addressed.

The swift action by Etios Digital Services was widely praised, though many online pointed out that this incident is a reminder of the broader issue of online harassment faced by women, especially those in the public eye. Activists and women’s rights groups highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women from such threats, both online and offline.

In its final note, Etios Digital Services reiterated its commitment to creating a safe and respectful workplace: "At Etios Services, we believe in promoting respect and dignity for all individuals. We stand firmly against any form of harassment or violence. Our commitment to creating a safe workplace is unwavering, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to uphold this standard. Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate this situation. Together, let’s work towards a more respectful and inclusive community."

While Nikith Shetty faces legal consequences for his actions, the incident has sparked a wider conversation around the responsibility of employers in dealing with employee misconduct, especially when it involves threats of violence. The case also serves as a reminder of the power of social media in holding individuals accountable and ensuring justice is served swiftly. It is yet another wake-up call about the perils of online harassment, and the pressing need to take action to protect victims from such dangers.