Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday directed the state police to initiate action against those who bullied a 21-year-old college student on social media, who had shared a video of selling fish after college hours, PTI reported.

Hanan Hamid’s story went viral after Malayalam newspaper Mathrubhumi carried a report stating that she earned by selling fish after college. A video and pictures followed the new report of her selling fish in college uniform, and was shared widely on social media by several social media users, including film personalities and politicians.

However, some people on social media expressed doubts about Hamid’s story, calling it fake and baseless. She was also attacked by people who claimed that she was lying about her background. Hamid’s college principal and neighbours supported her, asserting that she was not lying.

“I want to be left alone now,” Hamid said on Thursday, according to The New Indian Express. “People are saying that I am doing it for the publicity and money. All I request is to let me live.”

Vijayan said he has directed the Ernakulam district collector to provide adequate protection to Hamid. “People should be more cautious while using social media,” the chief minister said in a Facebook post. “It is improper to circulate anything which they get through cyber platforms. This will only help push the society towards further damage.”

He said he was proud of Hamid and asked the entire state to support the woman.

A day after the college student faced trolling, Union minister Alphons Kannanthanam defended her and praised her for working hard and moving forward in life. “Kerala sharks stop attacking Hanan,” he wrote on Facebook. “I’m ashamed. Here is a girl trying to put together a shattered life. You vultures!”

Kerala Women’s Commission Chairperson MC Josephine termed the social media abuse “cyber goondaism”.