Social media outrage jolts UP police out of slumber, stalker harassing rural women journalists held

The man who was allegedly stalking the women journalists of Khabar Lahariya, a local language rural newspaper in Uttar Pradesh, has been nabbed. Two days after news of the team members being harassed with lewd and threatening calls sparked outrage on social media, the cops were spurred into action after months of apathy.  

Since January 8, 2015, a stalker going by the name 'Nishu', had been reportedly harassing the women journalists frequently with lascivious calls, leaving them shaken. But despite complaints with the Women's Helpline and filing FIRs, there was no action taken. It was only after editor Kavita's first person account went viral that the Uttar Pradesh government finally took notice and some action was taken. 

Banda police have nabbed Nishu, the alleged harasser in @KhabarLahariya case from Sonbhadra & will be sent to judicial custody- SP Banda

— Government of UP (@UPGovt) September 16, 2015

The harasser has been caught and Kavita is meeting the Banda SP today. We will keep all our supporters posted on what happens.

— Khabar Lahariya (@KhabarLahariya) September 16, 2015

Banda SP Rakesh Shanker said that, "The accused, 22-23 year-old Nishu Shah has been caught in Robertsganj in Sonbhadra district. We tracked him down after going through various caller ids he was using and one of it lead us to him. We were able to verify his identity through his Aadhar card." 

The accused is in judicial custody. He had no prior arrests.

The SP denies that there was any laxity in the probe. He said that all departments concerned were working on the case. "The hardwork behind the investigation is not visible, it is only after we get results that everyone notices."

He added that the accused was known for having inappropriate tendencies in his locality. 

Although the administration was shaken out of its slumber to finally take their case seriously, the Khabar Lahariya team has rightly pointed out that police apathy towards women's safety is widespread and a problem that needs to be addressed.

One incident, one case might come to a close because of @twitter but the battle is bigger. We hope you'll continue supporting such issues :)

— Khabar Lahariya (@KhabarLahariya) September 16, 2015

Prompt action by #UPPolice in the stalking/harassment case is greatly appreciated. But this is one example of a deeper problem.

— Khabar Lahariya (@KhabarLahariya) September 16, 2015

#PublicOutrage over the case helped us but a larger issue begs for attention and we'd love to answer some questions.

— Khabar Lahariya (@KhabarLahariya) September 16, 2015