Kishore Kumar has been handed a 1 year and 10-month prison sentence, suspended for five years, after pleading guilty to multiple charges of online harm and criminal intimidation.
Describing his case as “the outcome of politics,” Kumar accepted full responsibility for his actions and said the sentencing marks a turning point in both his journey and his mental health treatment.
“I want to meet my God in the next life with a clean heart, nothing inside. No grudges against anyone,” he said in an interview following the sentencing.
The 50-year-old self-described social media influencer had admitted to using online platforms to attack and insult Government MP Lenora Qereqeretabua in 2020. At the time, Kumar alleged he had explicit content involving the MP.
Qereqeretabua, who read her victim impact statement in court, said Kumar’s repeated attacks damaged her reputation and caused anguish for her family. The nature of the accusations, she said, made it difficult for her to encourage women to raise their hands and participate in Parliament.
Kumar pleaded guilty to six counts of causing harm by posting electronic communication and one count of criminal intimidation. In court, he attributed his actions to schizophrenia and said he welcomed the court’s provision for psychiatric care.
“I’m glad that the court judgement today has provided a provision to facilitate an opportunity for me to see my psychiatrist and get proper treatment,” he said.
Kumar acknowledged that even his critics follow him online—something he sees as proof of his significance.
“We cannot judge a person just by what they say. We have to consider mental health issues too,” he said.
As part of the court’s order, Kumar will be released after being registered as an outpatient at Saint Giles Hospital, where he will continue to receive psychiatric treatment.
The suspended sentence means Kumar will not serve jail time unless he reoffends during the next five years.
