30 April,2026 07:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur
Screenshots of abusive messages and threats sent to the content creator on Instagram following the Juhu beach incident, she reported to the police
A queer feminist content creator has filed two cases with Mumbai Police over alleged harassment and cyber abuse, including threats of acid attack. She has also alleged that police discouraged her from registering an FIR in the second case, despite the severity of the threats.
. Feb 14: Confrontation with a man allegedly photographing women at Juhu beach
. Post-incident: Online backlash and alleged acid attack threats
. Police stations involved: Juhu police station; Vile Parle police station
Mumbai Police: 100
Women's helpline: 1019
On February 14, the content creator said she was hosting a "Galentine's Day" gathering at Juhu beach when a man allegedly began taking photographs of women in her group.
"We always look to host such days in public spaces, as attendees can enjoy them for free. We wanted to go to a park, but gatherings are rarely allowed in Mumbai, so we went to the beach," she said. She added that when confronted, the man admitted to taking the photos.
"We saw a man clicking photos of women from our group, and when we confronted him, he boldly claimed that he did do it. And then we took him to the police who were at the beach, and in front of the police, we beat him up, as he had started abusing us while we were waiting for them." She subsequently filed an FIR with Juhu police and posted a video of the incident on social media.
Senior Inspector Gabaji Chimate of Vile Parle police station said, "As I don't have an exact idea of what the case is, I will look into the matter and make sure that we help the lady in question. We also request women not to hesitate to come to us for help and register complaints."
The Juhu police told mid-day that they acted swiftly after receiving a call from the content creator on February 14, following which an FIR was registered. A charge sheet has since been submitted before the magistrate, and the matter is now pending before the court.
Following the post, the creator said she received abusive comments and threats online, including threats of acid attack.
"The acid attack threat was graphic and encouraged all the men to find my address and pour acid over me, or get me into an accident."
"I couldn't understand why other men were getting so agitated with it. They went as far as calling me slurs and threatening me with accidents and attacks."
She then filed a second complaint with the Vile Parle police.
The content creator alleged that she was discouraged from filing an FIR in the cyber threat case.
"When I had gone to register the complaint about the threats I had gotten on social media, an officer, before taking my FIR, had told me that I had provoked the men by posting the video and though these men are threatening me with such things, no one would actually do this."
She said she was advised to make her account private or block direct messages.
"I was told after the FIR was lodged to private my account or block all DMs, which is when I explained to them that it is my bread and butter, and I couldn't do that."
She further alleged that an officer compared her situation to public figures.
"The officer told me that I have to be strong like PM Narendra Modi and CM Devendra Fadnavis, who also get threats and abuses."
The creator also cited a past incident at Bandra railway station.
"A female officer asked me to cover up with a shawl before filing the FIR. Such cases make not only me, but many other women uncomfortable going to the police."
