A case of abetment of suicide has been registered in Kozhikode, Kerala, against Shimjitha Musthafa, a 35-year-old woman accused of uploading a video on social media in which she alleged sexual harassment by a man who later died by suicide.
Police invoked non-bailable sections of the law on Monday, a day after Deepak U, the 42-year-old man featured in the now-viral video, was found dead. The First Information Report (FIR) was registered following a formal complaint lodged by Deepak’s mother. Prior to this, the police had only recorded a case of unnatural death and had not named any accused.
According to investigators, Deepak was found hanging in his room on Sunday. Police sources and family members have stated that he was under severe mental distress after the video accusing him of sexual harassment began circulating widely on social media platforms. The rapid spread of the video reportedly subjected him to intense public scrutiny and psychological pressure.
As per available details, Deepak had travelled by bus to Kannur on Friday for work-related reasons. Shimjitha Musthafa was also travelling on the same bus. It is alleged that during the journey, she recorded a video accusing him of inappropriate behaviour and later uploaded it online, where it quickly went viral.
Deepak’s relatives have claimed that he strongly denied the allegations made against him and was devastated by the public reaction that followed the video’s circulation. According to the family, the viral nature of the post led to relentless online harassment and bullying, which they believe played a direct role in pushing him to take the extreme step.
The family has further alleged that Shimjitha Musthafa deliberately defamed Deepak and assassinated his character in pursuit of attention and visibility on social media. They contend that the accusations were unverified and that the public shaming he endured had a catastrophic impact on his mental health.
In response to the growing outrage surrounding the case, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission has taken cognisance of the incident and ordered a detailed police investigation. The Commission has directed the Kerala Police North Zone Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to submit a comprehensive report within one week.
The matter is scheduled to be reviewed during the Commission’s sitting on February 19 in Kozhikode. Meanwhile, police investigations are ongoing, focusing on the circumstances surrounding the video, the alleged harassment, and the sequence of events that led to Deepak’s death.
