Kerala Suicide Case: Viral Bus Video Triggers Abetment Charges, Raises Alarming Questions on Social Media Justice

The tragic death of a 42-year-old man in Kerala has reignited a nationwide debate on the unchecked power of social media and the dangers of public trials conducted online. Kerala Police have registered a case of abetment to suicide against a woman after a video she posted, accusing the man of sexual harassment during a bus journey, went viral and allegedly pushed him into severe mental distress.

The deceased has been identified as Deepak U, a resident of Govindhapuram in Kozhikode district. He was found hanging in his room on Sunday morning after repeated attempts by his parents to wake him failed. Neighbours helped force open the door, only to find him dead.

What Happened?

According to police, the sequence of events began on Friday when Deepak travelled on a bus to Kannur for work. A woman, identified as Shimjitha Musthafa (35) from Vadakara, was also travelling on the same bus. She later uploaded a video on social media accusing Deepak of misbehaving and sexually harassing her.

The video spread rapidly across platforms, triggering intense public reaction. Deepak’s family claims he came to know about the video shortly after it went viral and was deeply shaken by the accusations and online humiliation that followed.

On Sunday morning, just two days after the video surfaced, Deepak was found dead in his room.

Police Action: From Unnatural Death to Abetment Case

Initially, Kozhikode Medical College police registered a case of unnatural death. However, following complaints by Deepak’s parents and mounting public outrage, the police filed a fresh case under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with abetment to suicide, naming Shimjitha Musthafa as the accused.

A senior police officer confirmed that:

“The woman’s statement has been recorded. The investigation will determine whether her actions directly contributed to the mental trauma that led to the suicide.”

Family’s Allegations: “He Was Publicly Shamed for Something He Did Not Do”

Deepak’s parents have alleged that their son was innocent and that the viral video destroyed his dignity overnight. They told police that Deepak was planning to file a defamation case against the woman and had discussed it with friends just a day before his death.

His mother, in an emotional statement, said:

“My child could not bear the shame. He had never been accused of anything wrong in his life.”

Adding to the tragedy, Saturday was Deepak’s birthday. Family members said he did not eat that entire day after learning about the viral video and the reactions it was receiving online.

Deepak worked in a textile firm and was the sole breadwinner of his family, making his death not just an emotional blow but a severe economic setback for his parents.

The Woman’s Stand

Shimjitha Musthafa has maintained that she acted in good faith. In her explanation to the media, she said she noticed another woman appearing uncomfortable on the bus and believed Deepak was standing inappropriately close.

She stated:

“Even after noticing I was recording, he continued the behaviour. That is why I edited the clips and posted them.”

However, police have clarified that no formal complaint was received from her before the video was posted, raising questions about why social media was chosen as the first platform instead of legal channels.

Human Rights Commission Steps In

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has ordered a probe into the incident and directed the North Zone Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to submit a report within a week. The case will be reviewed during the Commission’s sitting scheduled for February 19.

This move highlights the seriousness of the matter and the broader concerns surrounding digital vigilantism.

Political Reactions and Growing Controversy

Senior BJP leader and former Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai visited Deepak’s family and alleged a delay in proper investigation. He also claimed that such incidents were becoming frequent in Kerala, driven by the urge to gain attention, influence, and even financial benefit through viral content.

“Social media fame cannot come at the cost of human lives,” he said.

A Larger Debate: Justice or Social Media Trial?

The case has triggered a sharp divide in public opinion:

• One side argues that women must be encouraged to speak out against harassment.
• The other warns that unverified online accusations can destroy lives before due process begins.

Legal experts point out that while sexual harassment is a grave crime and must be dealt with firmly, allegations must be handled through legal institutions-not viral videos.

Why This Case Matters

This incident is no longer just about one man or one video. It raises critical questions:

• Should social media be used as a courtroom?
• Who takes responsibility when online accusations lead to irreversible consequences?
• How do we balance victims’ voices with the right to due process?

Deepak’s death stands as a grim reminder that digital outrage, once unleashed, cannot be controlled. The tragedy highlights the urgent need for responsible online behaviour, stronger cyber laws, and mental health safeguards for individuals caught in viral controversies.

As investigations continue, Kerala watches closely-seeking justice, clarity, and perhaps, a lesson on how powerful a single video can become in the age of social media.