26-04-2025
Pahalgam terror victim's daughter Arathi faces cyberbullying after praising Kashmiri helpers
Arathi Menon, the daughter of a victim of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, has become the target of online harassment after publicly expressing her gratitude towards two Kashmiri men who provided her with crucial assistance following the tragic incident.
Arathi whose father Ramachandran was among those killed in the attack, recounted how a Kashmiri driver, Musafir, and his friend, Samir, supported her. They treated her "like their own sister" during a time of immense grief and distress. Her moving accounts, shared with the media, focussed on the humanity and kindness she experienced amidst the tragedy.
However, Arathi's expression of gratitude has been met with a wave of abusive and hateful comments on social media platforms. Cyberbullies have seemingly taken issue with her positive portrayal of individuals from the region, with some even questioning her motives and loyalty.
Victim shaming
Many were also upset that she didn't break down in front of the media.
Comments ranged from what they expected her to do to directly accusing her of wishing her father dead.
"She should be mourning, not praising random people."
"Maybe they were involved somehow. You can't trust anyone."
"How coolly does she describe how her father was shot dead! Looks like she has manifested her father's death.'
'Looking for a film role?'
Others found fault with her appearance.
"Look at this daughter narrating her father's death. She didn't forget to put on a bindi and apply eyeliner and lipstick. Looks like it is not her father who is killed."
"With nice makeup and all she has come to give a press conference with a great secularism wala story & script. Is she vying for a role in Prithviraj Sukumaran's next movie?" another questions.
Support swells
However, the bright side is that a significant number of social media users have also rallied in support of Arathi, condemning the cyberbullying and applauding her courage and balanced perspective.
"It takes immense strength to show such grace and acknowledge kindness in the face of tragedy. More power to Arathi," one supporter wrote.
"These hateful comments are shameful. She's sharing her personal experience, and it's beautiful that she found support," wrote another. "Let's not generalize an entire community based on the actions of a few. Her experience highlights the good that exists everywhere."
"So proud of Arathi for not giving in to hate and recognizing the humanity shown to her."
