KATHMANDU: In a bold and unprecedented move, popular Nepali singers Eleena Chauhan and Samikshya Adhikari have launched a campaign to publicly expose individuals who send them abusive and vulgar comments online.
Their decision to name and shame social media trolls has sparked national attention and ignited a critical conversation around cyberbullying, freedom of speech, and the need for stronger online abuse laws in Nepal.
The two singers, both widely known for their music careers, took to their personal social media accounts to share screenshots of messages and comments they received. These included explicit threats, sexual harassment, and demeaning language that had previously gone unchecked.
By publishing not only the messages but also the identities of the senders, they took a significant step—especially in a country where online abuse often remains invisible and unpunished.
The response was immediate. Many of the exposed individuals began issuing public apologies, deleting their accounts, or pleading for the posts to be removed.
Some even sought the help of political connections to avoid the public backlash. Meanwhile, others continued their harassment in subtler ways—switching to less profane language but maintaining a tone of intimidation.
Chauhan and Adhikari’s action comes against a backdrop of growing frustration among women, public figures, and digital activists in Nepal. Online platforms, once seen as tools for empowerment and free expression, have increasingly become breeding grounds for personal attacks, especially against women. Celebrities, journalists, and politicians alike face a daily barrage of vitriol. Yet the legal system has been slow to respond.
In an interview, Chauhan said, “There comes a point where silence becomes acceptance. We decided we were not going to stay silent anymore. This is not just for us—it’s for every girl who has been abused online and told to ignore it.”
Adhikari echoed her, adding, “We’re not just singers. We are also human beings who deserve respect. This isn’t about criticism—this is about abuse, and it needs to stop.”
Their campaign has triggered widespread support across sectors. Popular actor and filmmaker Deepak Raj Giri called the move “brave and necessary,” highlighting Adhikari’s resilience since her early controversies and praising her courage to fight back.
Actress Keki Adhikari remarked, “There is a limit to tolerance. Those who abuse should be held accountable.”
Actress Richa Sharma, who had previously spoken out against social media abuse, simply posted: “Be warned.”
But while celebrities stand in solidarity, the incident has also revealed the deep-rooted culture of online misogyny in Nepal. Social media has empowered millions, but it has also given rise to a toxic culture where anonymous users feel entitled to humiliate, abuse, and vilify those in the public eye.
The double standards are glaring. While public figures are expected to withstand criticism, few recognize the line between healthy discourse and personal attacks.
Legal experts point out that Nepal’s current cyber laws are inadequate. The National Penal Code does criminalize defamation and obscenity, with provisions for up to two years in prison and fines up to Rs 20,000. Yet, enforcement is rare.
Victims of online abuse often report being turned away by police or told to “ignore it.” In contrast, those who insult politicians or religious figures face swift action, highlighting an inconsistent and often politicized approach to justice.
The Nepal Police Cyber Bureau has been criticized for its inaction in many such cases, citing a lack of resources or prioritization. In this vacuum, Chauhan and Adhikari’s campaign serves as a wake-up call not just to law enforcement but also to lawmakers and tech companies.
Their bold action also challenges Nepal’s broader social attitudes. Public shaming and verbal attacks are normalized in Nepali discourse, often disguised as “freedom of speech.” But as Chauhan points out, “Freedom of speech doesn’t give you the right to destroy someone’s dignity.”
Support for their initiative has poured in from youth groups, women’s rights activists, and even ordinary citizens who have faced similar experiences. Many believe this campaign could mark a turning point in how Nepal addresses online behavior.
“This is not about celebrities being sensitive,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “This is about setting a precedent that abuse is not acceptable.”
However, not everyone agrees. Some critics argue that public shaming could backfire or escalate conflict. Others have said that as public figures, Chauhan and Adhikari should expect criticism and learn to deal with it. But defenders of the campaign insist there is a world of difference between criticism and character assassination.
As the conversation deepens, the government is under pressure to update outdated cyber laws and implement better mechanisms for reporting and penalizing digital harassment. Civil society groups are now pushing for a comprehensive Digital Rights Bill that ensures accountability while protecting individual freedoms.
Meanwhile, Chauhan and Adhikari continue their campaign, encouraged by the public support and media attention. They’ve urged other public figures to join them in resisting online abuse and demanding dignity.
“We started this to protect ourselves,” said Adhikari in a recent post. “But now it’s about all of us. This is about making online spaces safer for everyone.”
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