Kerala Man Commits Suicide after Video Goes Viral
A Kerala man died by suicide after a viral social media video falsely accused him of sexual harassment, triggering public outrage and demands for strict action.
A 42-year-old man named Deepak U from Kozhikode, Kerala, died by suicide on 18 January 2026, allegedly after facing public humiliation due to a false sexual harassment accusation made on social media.
Deepak worked at a textile firm and had travelled to Kannur for work on 16 January. On the same day, Shimjitha Musthafa, a social media influencer, was travelling on a crowded bus from Payyannur railway station to a bus stand. She recorded a video and accused Deepak of touching her inappropriately during the journey.
Shimjitha posted the video on social media, accusing Deepak of sexual harassment. The video went viral and received more than 20 lakh views. According to Deepak’s close friend Asgar Ali, Deepak was not aware of the video until Ali informed him. Ali said Deepak was shocked and deeply disturbed after learning about it.
Ali said they spent time together the night before Deepak’s death and discussed taking legal action, as Deepak was confident of his innocence. Deepak wanted the police to arrest Shimjitha before she could leave the country.
Deepak’s family said he was the only son and had not eaten for two days after the video went viral. His parents said he was a quiet person who avoided controversies and could not bear the public humiliation.
On the morning of 18 January, around 7 am, Deepak did not respond when his parents knocked on his door. With help from neighbours, they broke open the door and found him hanging.
After Deepak’s death, Shimjitha deleted the original video and later posted another video explaining her side, which was also deleted. In the second video, she claimed she edited two clips into one and accused Deepak of standing too close to another woman on the bus.
Deepak’s death has sparked public outrage. His family and activists have demanded strict action. His father said the family will approach Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking justice.
The police have registered a case of unnatural death and will record statements from relatives. Activist Rahul Easwar has also filed a complaint with the Kerala Police, seeking a case of abetment.
