Kerala police book woman after man accused in viral bus harassment video dies by suicide

Kozhikode: In a shocking turn of events, Kerala Police have registered a case against a woman who had earlier posted a viral video on social media accusing a fellow bus passenger of sexual harassment. The case has been filed following the suicide of the man who was named and shamed in the video.

Police said a case has been registered against Vadakara native Shimjitha Musthafa (35) under charges of abetment to suicide in connection with the death of Deepak (42), a native of Puthiyara who was staying at Govindapuram in Kozhikode.

The case has been registered by the Kozhikode Medical College Police Station. According to officials, Deepak was found hanging in his rented room on Sunday. He had earlier been employed at a textile firm and had travelled to Kannur on Friday by a public transport bus in connection with his work.

During this journey, Shimjitha, who was also travelling on the same bus, allegedly recorded a video accusing Deepak of behaving inappropriately with her. The video was subsequently uploaded to social media platforms and went viral, triggering widespread outrage against Deepak.

Police sources said the intense public backlash and online abuse deeply affected him after the video came to his notice. Family members alleged that the humiliation and social pressure drove him to take the extreme step.

Initially, police had registered a case of unnatural death. However, based on a complaint filed by Deepak’s family, a fresh case has now been registered under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with abetment to suicide. Police have begun a detailed investigation into the circumstances that led to Deepak’s death, including the intent and consequences of circulating the video on social media.

Meanwhile, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and ordered a police investigation. The Commission has directed the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, North Zone, to submit a detailed report within one week. The case is scheduled to be considered at the Commission’s sitting in the district on February 19.

Political reactions have also emerged following the incident. Senior BJP leader P.S. Sreedharan Pillai visited the bereaved family and alleged delay and lapses in initiating a proper investigation. He further claimed that the woman who recorded and posted the video is an active political worker and an elected representative.

Pillai also raised concerns over a growing trend of individuals allegedly creating sensational social media content for publicity and financial gain. He warned that such acts, without verification or due process, could have devastating consequences on innocent lives and called for stricter regulation and accountability in handling allegations on public platforms.

The incident has sparked a wider debate in Kerala over responsible use of social media, due process in allegations of harassment, and the psychological impact of online trials by public opinion.

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