Trolled online, Jodhpur woman consumes poison

Jodhpur: A social media influencer from Jodhpur was hospitalised in critical condition after allegedly consuming poison at her home Wednesday, with her family accusing online trolls and rival influencers of subjecting her to sustained harassment.

Anita Bishnoi, a digital content creator from Shikargarh in the Banar area of Jodhpur, was rushed to MDM Hospital after family members discovered that her health had suddenly deteriorated.

MDM Hospital superintendent Vikas Rajpurohit said she was under intensive care and her condition remains critical but stable.

Though no formal complaint was filed, Banar police reached the hospital to gather preliminary information. “No case has been registered yet; her family members are still in hospital and yet to file a complaint,” Banar SHO Lekhraj Siyag said.

According to relatives, the incident occurred hours after Bishnoi posted an emotional message on Facebook indicating that she might not be seen again. The post quickly drew attention from followers and acquaintances, some of whom alerted her family.

Her husband, Dinaram, said Bishnoi faced intense criticism on social media over the past fortnight after uploading a video expressing her views on women’s clothing. The video triggered widespread debate and negative reactions online.

“She was being repeatedly targeted on social media and through WhatsApp messages by some other influencers,” Dinaram alleged, adding that attempts were made to defame her and create undue pressure on her.

He added that he had advised his wife to approach the police regarding the harassment, but she chose not to do so. According to him, Bishnoi was unwilling to be intimidated and believed she could handle the situation.

In the video circulated shortly before the incident, Bishnoi is seen accusing several individuals of damaging her reputation and claiming that personal disputes, including an alleged land-related conflict, contributed to the volume of attacks against her.

She also mentioned threats being made against her and her family.

Bishnoi had built a substantial online following through content focused on Rajasthan’s cultural heritage, social awareness and community issues. Her popularity on social media had made her one of the more recognisable regional content creators from the state.