The death of 16-year-old Pranshu, a talented makeup artist and social media influencer from Madhya Pradesh, has brought attention to the impact of online hate and cyberbullying on individuals' mental health.
Pranshu's mother, Preeti Yadav, spoke to The Quint, revealing that Pranshu had confided in her about their feelings last year. Describing her child as supremely talented and proud of their identity, Preeti expressed sorrow over not having the chance to support Pranshu through their struggle.
The tragedy unfolded following an incident during Diwali when Pranshu posted a reel on Instagram, showcasing themselves wearing a saree. The post attracted a torrent of hateful and homophobic comments, reportedly numbering over 4,000. This onslaught of online abuse allegedly led Pranshu to take their own life.
According to Pranshu's mother, the teenager was academically inclined, respected by teachers, and admired for their demeanor towards others, especially women. Drawing inspiration from American makeup artist James Charles, Pranshu aspired to emulate their role model's success.
Expressing her unconditional acceptance of her child's uniqueness, Preeti emphasized her pride in Pranshu's talent and ambition. The grieving mother lamented feeling isolated following the loss of her child.
Pranshu, a self-taught makeup artist with a significant following on Instagram under the handle 'glamitupwithpranshu', was known for their creative skills.
Authorities have seized Pranshu's mobile phone and are reportedly investigating their social media accounts on platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook to uncover details surrounding the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.
The police, however, have not yet identified a clear motive behind the suicide, leaving questions lingering about the distressing impact of online hate and the toll it can take on vulnerable individuals.
