Deepak, a native of Govindapuram in Kozhikode and an employee at a clothing store in the city, had travelled to Kannur last Friday for work.
Published Jan 19, 2026 | 2:29 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 19, 2026 | 3:56 PM
Deepak was found dead on Sunday morning. (Supplied)
Synopsis: A viral video accusing 40-year-old man of sexual harassment on a Kerala bus led to his suicide amid severe distress. His family alleges character assassination and plans legal action, while police probe the unnatural death. The incident sparked calls for a men’s commission, highlighting dangers of online shaming. MLA T Siddique condemned social media’s mob justice and urged systemic reform.
A 40 year-old man in Kerala died by suicide after a woman posted a viral video on social media accusing him of sexual harassment during a bus journey.
The deceased, identified as Deepak, a resident of Govindapuram in Kozhikode, was found dead at his home early on Sunday. In the video, the woman alleged that Deepak had deliberately touched her with sexual intent while travelling on a crowded bus in Payyannur.
The clip quickly went viral, garnering over 20 lakh views.
Speaking to South First, Kozhikode Medical College police said they have registered a case of unnatural death and initiated an investigation.
Relatives and friends said Deepak was under severe mental distress after the video’s circulation.
His family alleged that he was subjected to character assassination and claimed the video was created for social media attention. They are also preparing to take legal action.
Deepak’s father told media that a case would be filed against the woman who filmed and circulated the video, asserting that his son deserved justice and that such an incident should not happen to anyone else.
The woman who posted the clip has claimed that Deepak sexually assaulted her on a bus.
“Tragic Kerala story: 41yo Deepak U dies by suicide after Shimjitha Musthafa’s viral bus video accused him of inappropriate touch. Family claims he was innocent & it was all for views. Social media can destroy lives 💔
pic.twitter.com/UNUdORF509— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) January 18, 2026
Relatives, however, maintain that the widespread circulation of the video caused Deepak extreme psychological trauma.
Deepak, a native of Govindapuram in Kozhikode and an employee at a clothing store in the city, had travelled to Kannur last Friday for work.
It was during this commute that the video was filmed and uploaded as an Instagram reel. Friends said he became deeply disturbed after learning that the clip was being shared widely. Family members said they became aware of the extent of his distress only later.
On Saturday evening, Deepak reportedly spoke to several friends about his anxiety over the video and had mentioned the possibility of filing a complaint.
He also called his relative Saneesh, saying he wanted to discuss something and suggesting they meet the next day.
However, Saneesh told the media that Deepak did not disclose details of the incident during the call.
Deepak was found dead on Sunday morning.
Police said further steps would be taken based on complaints received, while his kin reiterated their demand for a thorough probe into the circumstances that led to his death.
The incident has renewed the demand of a men’s commission similar to that of women’s in Kerala.
Commenting on the incident, Congress MLA T Siddique said the death of Deepak was a tragic reminder of how cruel and unforgiving public judgment on social media can be.
Recalling the heartrending scenes of a grieving mother and a speechless father, he said the humiliation faced by Deepak after a video circulated online broke the spirit of a young man who could not bear the burden of public shaming.
Siddique called social media as a “double-edged sword” that can easily destroy lives when truth and justice are left to online mobs instead of legal systems.
He added that Deepak’s death had shattered the dreams of an entire family and left parents who are unable to comprehend why their son was driven to take his own life.
Calling for legal action against those responsible, Siddique said justice cannot be delivered through viral videos or public outrage, and urged society to reflect, reform its behaviour on social media, and ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.
Police have registered a case of unnatural death in the incident. Deepak’s family approached the Kozhikode police chief and the district collector, demanding a detailed probe into the circumstances leading to his death.
Several complaints seeking a thorough inquiry have been submitted to the state and district police chiefs, though no case has yet been registered against the woman. Deepak’s relative said the district police chief has assured the family of a fair investigation and added that they plan to move the Human Rights Commission for a probe.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar. Edited by Amit Vasudev)
