Kozhikode, Kerala:A 35-year-old woman,Shimjitha Musthafa, has been taken into police custody in connection with the suicide ofDeepak U, a 42-year-old resident, after a video she posted online accusing him of sexual misconduct went viral. The video, which claimed that Deepak had harassed her during a bus journey, quickly amassed over two million views, generating intense public scrutiny and online commentary.
Within days, Deepak was found dead in his residence inGovindhapuram, Kozhikode. His family alleged that the viral accusations severely damaged his reputation and led to extreme mental stress, ultimately resulting in his suicide.
TheKozhikode policeinitially registered a case of unnatural death but escalated the investigation after reviewing the social media fallout. Anon-bailable warranthas been issued against Shimjitha, and authorities are probing why the allegations were publicly posted on social media instead of being formally reported.
TheKerala State Human Rights Commissionhas also taken suo motu cognisance, ordering a detailed police report within a week, with a review scheduled onFebruary 19. The case has sparked renewed debate over the role of social media in airing serious allegations, the responsibilities of users, and the potential consequences of online trials on individuals before formal investigations.
