A popular TikToker died en route to hospital around midnight yesterday after receiving a barrage of hateful comments on her widely followed account.
Police said she is believed to have committed suicide but was still breathing when her family found her at their home in Subang Jaya, Selangor, and rushed her to hospital at 11.45pm, Saturday (Aug 6).
Mother of three, Shashikala Nadarajah, 44, was reportedly “cyber-bullied” over her appearance and handbag collections on the social media account.
Some TikTok users also blamed her for being sexually harassed, in comments on a video she posted on the matter.
According to popular TikToker Rose Veronica, Shashikala’s children told her that their mother could not tolerate the negative comments posted by her TikTok followers, Sinar Daily reported.
Police said Shashikala, who also worked as a tuition teacher, was getting treatment for mental health issues at a private clinic in Petaling Jaya.
Factors for suicide are complex and mental health issues do not necessarily lead to suicide.
The World Health Organization considers suicide a public health issue but says it is preventable with proper intervention.
Police believe there are no criminal elements involved in Shashikala’s death after an inspection of the deceased’s body and the scene of the incident.
A post-mortem examination was conducted at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre today.
The police added there were no reports lodged on cyberbullying. The case has been classified as sudden death.
Shashikala had more than 30,000 followers on TikTok where she shares her views on various topics like homeschooling, sexual harassment and how to maintain luxury handbags.
Her videos were published in English and Tamil.
Her final video three days ago was on how she started homeschooling her three daughters using the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) syllabus.
Condolences have since filled the comment section on Shashikala’s videos, with many advising those who cannot withstand negative comments to stay away from social media.
“Heartbroken by the news. We thought you were a very strong and bold person.
“Rest in peace, sister. I have no words. So saddened,” one user said. – Malaysiakini