KATHMANDU, March 9: Renuka Baral, who had earlier made a controversial statement that she would “cut off her ears if Balendra Shah won in Jhapa–5” during the elections, says she is under severe mental stress. Speaking to Republica on Sunday, on International Women’s Day, she revealed that she has been facing harassment.
Following Shah’s victory, Baral was subjected to public threats and harassment linked to her statement. While visiting Kalimati Vegetable Market, a crowd reportedly surrounded her, chanting about her earlier remark, forcing her to flee in a vehicle. The incident quickly went viral on social media. Not only in public places, but also social media she has been repeatedly being subject of online harassment. A lot of people call her ask when will she cut her ear.
Renuka Sah asks: Why am I being targeted?
She said she now fears even to step outside of the house.
Baral warned against unauthorized videos or edits made for views, calling such content character assassination. “A crowd at Kalimati recorded a video claiming I must cut my ears. It has caused me severe mental stress,” she said, adding that she will pursue legal remedies under cybercrime laws and approach interim government head Sushila Karki if necessary.
She also expressed concern over AI-manipulated videos and images of her circulating on platforms like TikTok, which she says amount to mental harassment. Baral emphasized that her statement was about herself, not anyone else.
“I said I would cut my own ears, not anyone else’s. During elections, party supporters naturally express their loyalty. Why should anyone feel harmed by that?” she said, noting that her family and close friends have also witnessed the trolling. She called for respect for her human rights and the right to live without harassment.
