A 40-year-old lorry driver, B Sathiskumar, has been sentenced to 12 months in jail after pleading guilty to charges related to the tragic death of TikTok influencer A Rajeswary, known as Esha, who was found dead in July, allegedly due to online harassment. The Kuala Lumpur sessions court handed down the sentence after Sathiskumar changed his plea to guilty on two charges during a case hearing on September 25, 2024. Judge Siti Aminah Ghazali presided over the court and ordered that the sentences be served concurrently, starting from Sathiskumar’s arrest on July 10.
Esha, 29, was discovered dead in her home in Setapak on July 5, just one day after filing a police report claiming that she had been harassed on TikTok. Sathiskumar had been accused of making obscene remarks directed at Esha through his TikTok account, Dulal Brothers 360, on June 30. The charges brought against him fell under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which addresses offensive online communication. The offense is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both.
Before receiving his sentence, Sathiskumar expressed remorse, apologizing in court for his actions. He admitted his wrongdoing, stating, “I am guilty. I won’t do it again. I ask for forgiveness, ma’am (judge).” His apology came after the public outcry and grief that followed the death of Rajeswary, whose passing highlighted the devastating effects of online harassment and bullying.
In addition to the first charge, Sathiskumar faced a second charge under Section 509 of the Penal Code for insulting and humiliating Esha’s mother, R Puspa, 56, through the same TikTok account on June 30. This offense carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine, or both. The court took both charges into consideration while determining the sentence.
Deputy public prosecutor Sabri Othman called for a prison sentence, emphasizing the gravity of the offense and the importance of public interest in curbing online harassment. Othman argued that such crimes should not be taken lightly, given their severe impact on victims’ mental health and well-being. However, defense lawyer Izwan Ishak, representing the National Legal Aid Foundation, appealed for leniency for his client. He pointed out that Sathiskumar earns only RM1,200 a month and is the sole provider for his disabled wife and three children, urging the court to consider these factors in its sentencing.
Sathiskumar’s sentencing brings attention to the growing issue of cyberbullying, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of online harassment.
