Female activists participating in recent protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against question paper leaks and irregularities in government recruitment exams are facing severe online harassment and rape threats.

The backlash is targeted at women who have expressed anger against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling government through social media posts.

Shraddha Singh, a 23-year-old yoga teacher and content creator from Madhya Pradesh, joined the student protest at Jantar Mantar in the third week of July to show her support.

During her time there, she created and shared a seven-second entertainment video featuring two Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel.

Shortly after, a troll page distorted and circulated the video.

After mainstream media outlets broadcast the footage overnight, BJP supporters traced her vehicle's license plate, publicly exposing her phone number and address.

Shraddha reported that angry BJP supporters and anonymous troll accounts have subjected her and her family to persistent death and rape threats. Her mother and friends have also been tracked down on Instagram and targeted with severe verbal abuse.

Legal Action and Online Harassment of Minors
Ruchika Singh, a 15-year-old protester, is facing similar online harassment, including malicious and sexually explicit comments, as a consequence of voicing her dissent.

Alongside online abuse, pressure from BJP supporters and activists has led to multiple criminal cases being filed against her.

Ruchika became entangled in legal complications after being accused of making offensive remarks directed at the Prime Minister during the demonstrations.

A local BJP leader filed six separate FIRs against her at a Noida police station and under sections 352, 353(1), and 356(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita via the Delhi Police.

Furthermore, cyber trolls have leaked her personal information, photos, and phone number online, subjecting her to intense psychological distress.

Shahrukh Alam, a constitutional expert and Supreme Court lawyer, noted that while severe criticism or satire directed at a public official may constitute defamation, police cannot register an FIR directly without the aggrieved party filing a personal complaint, rendering the current legal procedure flawed.

Growing Climate of Fear
Both young women are currently living under intense insecurity and social pressure. Following the public disclosure of the incidents, certain factions have begun identifying and digitally harassing other protesters online.

The situation has escalated to a point where the targeted female activists are now afraid to step outside their homes due to ongoing threats.