By Sagaya Fernando | January 21, 2026
Kozhikode, Kerala, INDIA: The suicide of a 41-year-old man in Kerala’s Kozhikode district has taken a serious legal turn, with police arresting a woman accused of abetment after she allegedly went into hiding. The case has sparked widespread public outrage and renewed debate over social media trials, public shaming, and due process.
The accused, Shimjitha Musthafa (35), a social media influencer and former local body representative, was arrested on January 21 by the Kozhikode Medical College Police from the house of a relative in Vadakara, following the issuance of a lookout circular. She had reportedly been absconding after a case was registered against her under Section 109 (abetment to suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
She was later taken for a medical examination at Koyilandi Taluk Hospital and remanded to judicial custody.
Background of the Case
The deceased, U. Deepak, a sales officer with a garment firm and a native of Govindapuram, was found hanging at his residence in Mankavu on January 18, two days after a video accusing him of sexual harassment went viral on social media.
The video, posted by Shimjitha Musthafa, alleged that Deepak had deliberately touched her with sexual intent while travelling on a crowded KSRTC bus on January 16. The clip spread rapidly across platforms, triggering intense online reactions. Shimjitha later deleted the video and uploaded another clip explaining her actions.
Following Deepak’s death, his family filed a complaint, based on which police registered a case of abetment to suicide.
Investigation and Evidence
Police said the investigation has now intensified, with a focus on digital and scientific evidence. A senior police officer associated with the probe stated that the mobile phone allegedly used to record the video will be subjected to forensic examination.
Preliminary inspection has revealed that the video was edited prior to being circulated on social media, the officer said.
Statements have also been recorded from Deepak’s parents and bus staff who were on duty during the journey. According to police, the bus workers stated that no complaint of sexual harassment was raised during the trip.
Additionally, the woman’s claim in the viral video that she had reported the incident to the Vadakara Police was found to be false. The Vadakara Inspector later confirmed that no such complaint had been received, further intensifying public criticism.
Police have also collected CCTV footage from the bus and are examining the digital trail to understand how the video was circulated and its impact on the victim’s mental state.
Family’s Allegations and Public Reaction
Friends and relatives of Deepak told police that he was deeply distressed after the video went viral and feared social humiliation. A close friend said Deepak had planned to initiate legal action to prove his innocence on the night before his death.
Deepak’s mother, Kanyaka, broke down while speaking to the media, demanding strict action against the accused. “My son became helpless. He was scared and never spoke ill of anyone,” she said.
His father alleged that the act of recording and circulating the video had “snuffed out” his son’s life.
Human Rights Commission Intervention
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and directed the North Zone Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to personally investigate the matter. The commission has sought a detailed report within one week.
Wider Debate and Legal Developments
Shimjitha Musthafa had earlier approached the Kozhikode Principal Sessions Court seeking anticipatory bail. Meanwhile, the All Kerala Men’s Association has moved the High Court demanding a CBI or Crime Branch probe, alleging inadequacies in the investigation and seeking a comprehensive forensic analysis of the accused’s phone.
The case has triggered intense online backlash, including threats against the accused, prompting concerns over cyber vigilantism. Political, religious, and rights groups have also weighed in, further polarising public discourse.
While critics argue that public naming without investigation can cause irreversible harm, supporters contend that women often turn to social media due to distrust in institutional responses to harassment.
What has amplified the outrage is the finality of Deepak’s death, which has left no scope for legal resolution or rebuttal. As investigations continue, the case remains a flashpoint in the broader debate over social media accountability, gender justice, and the consequences of public shaming in the digital age.
Comments
Post a Comment