Chencho Dema
Nearly a month after a 20-year-old TikToker was found dead in her residence in Thimphu, the Royal Bhutan Police have arrested a 37-year-old businessman in connection with the case.
Months before the woman’s death by suicide, the suspect allegedly uploaded a video on his fake TikTok account, showing her engaged in an indecent conversation. The suspect used his fake TikTok account, which had amassed over 3,000 followers, to share the video.
Sources confirmed that the suspect operated the fake account under the username “Nga Galfren Mezo”.
The video quickly went viral across multiple social media platforms, exposing the deceased to widespread public scrutiny and harassment.
The deceased allegedly became a target of cyberbullying, with negative comments and ridicule pouring in from strangers online.
The police employed a methodical approach to identify and apprehend the suspect in the case. Police began by examining the deceased’s TikTok activity, uncovering multiple fake accounts. By narrowing down the accounts, they identified a key lead. The police then collaborated with TikTok headquarters in Singapore to trace the suspicious activity back to the suspect.
These efforts culminated in his arrest on November 27 in Samdrupjongkhar, where he runs a business. The suspect was escorted to Thimphu and is now in custody for interrogation.
Police revealed that the deceased and the suspect were not acquainted with each other.
If found guilty, the suspect could face charges of online harassment and circulation of indecent communication.
The police are however delving deeper into the case, as they suspect the accused may have operated multiple fake accounts.
Last month, the deceased who is also a popular TikTok influencer was found dead in her home in Thimphu, having taken her own life. Her body was discovered at 6 a.m.
While the police initially ruled out foul play during their investigation, the circumstances surrounding her death remain under scrutiny.
Police refused to disclose further details as the investigation is ongoing.