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Submit your complaint →Deepika Sarita Katoch has raised a harassment complaint against Rishabh Sharma for abusive and derogatory remarks in an online interaction. Read the full case, legal remedies, filing process, and how Choice4Voice.com supports victims of online harassment.
Complaint Summary : Verbal Harassment Complaint: Deepika Sarita Katoch vs. Rishabh Sharma
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Complainant Name | Deepika Sarita Katoch |
| Not disclosed | |
| Complaint Type | Verbal Harassment / Online Abuse |
| Accused Person | Rishabh Sharma |
| Incident Description | Abused the complainant by calling her “r**i” (derogatory slur for women) during an online conversation |
| Date of Incident | September 2025 |
| Platform of Incident | Online conversation / Digital space |
| Response from Accused | No apology or corrective action |
| Location | India |
Full Complaint Write-up
Deepika Sarita Katoch, a respected SEO Specialist and Digital Marketing professional, was subjected to verbal harassment in the form of derogatory abuse by Rishabh Sharma during an online conversation.
The accused used the slur “ri”**, a deeply offensive and gender-targeted word, intended to humiliate and insult the complainant. Such words are not merely offensive they strip individuals of dignity, contribute to unsafe online spaces, and normalize abuse if left unchecked.
This incident is part of a larger societal challenge where women, despite their professional expertise and contributions, continue to face harassment in digital spaces. By sharing her experience publicly, Deepika has chosen to break the silence, not just for herself, but for many others who face similar abuse but remain unheard.
Her courage highlights the importance of digital accountability, strict enforcement of anti-harassment laws, and stronger consumer advocacy platforms like Choice4Voice.com
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
Choice4Voice.com is not just a complaint platform it is a consumer advocacy voice designed to help individuals who are ignored, silenced, or mistreated. In harassment cases like Deepika’s, our role is crucial:
- Public Awareness: By publishing the complaint on Choice4Voice.com and LinkedIn, we ensure the issue gains visibility and creates public pressure.
- Legal Awareness: Victims are often unaware of their rights. We provide guidance on which laws apply and how to use them effectively.
- Drafted Complaint Templates: Ready-to-use formats for filing FIRs, cybercrime complaints, and emails to relevant authorities.
- Step-by-Step Guidance: We guide victims in approaching police stations, cybercrime portals, NCW, or women’s helplines.
- Support & Community: Victims know they are not alone the platform amplifies their voice and connects them with others who faced similar abuse.
By doing this, Choice4Voice.com ensures justice is not delayed or denied due to lack of awareness.
Legal Cases That Can Be Filed
In India, multiple legal provisions protect women against verbal and online harassment. In this case, the following sections are applicable:
- Section 354A IPC – Covers sexual harassment, including sexually colored remarks and verbal abuse.
- Section 509 IPC – Criminalizes words/gestures intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
- Section 504 IPC – Punishes intentional insult that can provoke breach of peace.
- Section 67 of IT Act, 2000 – Prohibits transmission of obscene or abusive content in electronic form.
Departments Where Complaints Can Be Filed
- Police Station / Women’s Police Station – For filing FIR under IPC sections.
- National Cybercrime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) – For online harassment complaints.
- National Commission for Women (NCW) – Accepts digital complaints against harassment.
- District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) – Provides free legal aid for women.
- Judicial Magistrate Court – Direct private complaints can also be filed if FIR is delayed.
Step-by-Step Complaint Filing Guide
1. FIR at Local Police Station
- Write a detailed complaint explaining the incident.
- Attach screenshots/chat logs as evidence.
- Request registration under IPC 354A, 509, and 504.
- Collect a stamped copy of the FIR.
2. Cybercrime Portal Complaint
- Visit https://cybercrime.gov.in/.
- Select “Report Women/Child Related Crime.”
- Upload screenshots and details of the accused.
- Submit with OTP-based verification.
3. NCW Complaint
- Visit http://ncw.nic.in/.
- File a complaint online with attached proof.
- NCW will issue notices to the accused and concerned authorities.
Pre-Drafted Complaint Templates
FIR Complaint Template
To,
The SHO,
[Police Station Name], [City]
Subject: Complaint against verbal harassment and online abuse
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, [Your Name], am filing a complaint against Rishabh Sharma, who used abusive and derogatory language (“r**i”) against me during an online conversation on [Date]. This act amounts to verbal harassment and is an insult to my dignity as a woman.
I request you to kindly register an FIR under Sections 354A, 509, and 504 IPC and take strict legal action against the accused.
Attached: Screenshots of abusive remarks.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Cybercrime Complaint Template
Respected Officer,
I am reporting a case of online harassment conducted by Rishabh Sharma on [Date]. He verbally abused me using derogatory remarks intended to humiliate me.
I request your immediate action under the IT Act and IPC provisions. Evidence has been attached.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Author Section
About the Author:
Deepika Sarita Katoch is an SEO Specialist and Digital Marketing Professional, currently associated with Debutify. She has worked extensively in digital visibility and content strategy. Beyond her professional career, she is an advocate for safe and respectful online spaces. By sharing her harassment experience, she emphasizes the need for accountability in digital platforms and stronger protection for women in virtual interactions.
Q&A Section
1. What is verbal harassment under Indian law?
Verbal harassment includes abusive, offensive, or sexually colored remarks made with the intent to humiliate, insult, or demean someone. Under IPC Section 354A and Section 509, such behavior is recognized as a punishable offense when directed toward women.
2. Can online abuse be reported to the police?
Yes. Online abuse can be reported to both the local police station and the cybercrime portal. The police can register an FIR under IPC provisions, while the cybercrime cell investigates digital evidence.
3. Which IPC sections apply to verbal abuse against women?
Sections 354A, 509, and 504 IPC directly apply to verbal abuse and harassment. These sections cover sexual harassment, insulting words/gestures, and intentional insults.
4. How to file a cybercrime complaint in India?
Victims can visit https://cybercrime.gov.in/, select “Women/Child Related Complaints,” upload proof (screenshots, links), and submit. The case is then forwarded to the respective state cyber cell.
5. Can the National Commission for Women help in harassment cases?
Yes. NCW accepts online complaints, issues notices to offenders, and coordinates with the police. It acts as a supportive body ensuring women’s complaints are addressed.
6. What evidence is required to file an FIR for verbal harassment?
Screenshots of abusive messages, chat records, call recordings, or witnesses can be submitted as proof. Evidence strengthens the case and prevents dismissal.
7. Can derogatory slurs be considered harassment in India?
Yes. Words like “r**i” are considered derogatory and fall under Section 509 IPC, which punishes insulting the modesty of a woman.
8. How long does it take for cybercrime complaints to be resolved?
The timeline depends on case complexity. Preliminary responses are usually given within 15-30 days, but complete resolution may take several months.
9. Can I file both police and cybercrime complaints together?
Yes. Victims are advised to file with both police and cybercrime cells to ensure wider jurisdictional coverage and quicker action.
10. What is Section 509 IPC?
This section criminalizes words, gestures, or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman. Punishment can extend up to one year imprisonment or fine or both.
11. Can workplace harassment be filed with NCW?
Yes, NCW accepts workplace harassment complaints. Additionally, victims can approach their company’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the POSH Act.
12. Do abusive words on social media qualify as harassment?
Yes. Any abusive, obscene, or derogatory remarks posted on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn fall under harassment laws.
13. What penalties exist for verbal harassment in India?
Depending on the section applied, penalties include fines, community service, or imprisonment up to three years.
14. Can I file a case without revealing my identity?
Yes. The cybercrime portal allows anonymous reporting, especially for sensitive cases. However, for police FIRs, personal details are usually required.
15. How does Choice4Voice.com support harassment victims?
By amplifying cases online, drafting legal templates, guiding victims step-by-step, and creating public pressure for swift resolution.
16. Can WhatsApp or chat screenshots be used as evidence?
Yes. Digital evidence like screenshots, chat logs, and call recordings are admissible in court under the Indian Evidence Act.
17. What is the role of women’s police stations?
They provide a dedicated, sensitive, and fast-track system for handling women’s complaints, ensuring victims feel safe reporting.
18. Are there fast-track courts for harassment cases?
Yes. Many states have fast-track courts for women-related crimes to ensure quick trials and verdicts.
19. What is the punishment under Section 354A IPC?
It prescribes imprisonment of up to three years, fine, or both for sexual harassment, including verbal abuse.
20. What steps should I take immediately after facing online abuse?
- Take screenshots as evidence.
- Block the offender.
- File a complaint with cybercrime portal.
- Approach local police for FIR.
- Seek support from advocacy groups like Choice4Voice.com
