Kozhikode, Kerala:
In a deeply unsettling case that has sparked nationwide debate on social media accountability, gender justice, and mental health, Kerala police have arrested Shimjitha Musthafa, a social media influencer, in connection with the suicide of a man she had publicly accused of sexual harassment. The arrest comes days after a viral video posted by Shimjitha allegedly led to the public shaming and eventual death of U Deepak, a 42-year-old man from Kozhikode.
The Incident That Triggered a Storm
The controversy began when Shimjitha Musthafa shared a video on social media, claiming that Deepak had sexually harassed her during a bus journey. In the video, recorded while both were still on the bus, she accused him of inappropriate physical contact. The clip rapidly gained traction, amassing over 20 lakh views, and triggered widespread outrage online.
As the video circulated, Deepak was subjected to intense public scrutiny. His identity became widely known, and social media users began condemning him even before any formal investigation was conducted. The video was later deleted by Shimjitha, but by then, the damage had already been done.
Suicide That Changed the Course of the Case
Just two days after the video went viral, Deepak was found dead at his residence in Kozhikode. According to police, he died by suicide. His family later revealed that he was under severe mental distress following the online backlash. They stated that Deepak had stopped eating, avoided social interaction, and appeared deeply shaken by the public humiliation he faced after the allegations surfaced.
Initially, police registered the death as an unnatural death. However, the case took a critical turn after Deepak’s parents filed a formal complaint, alleging that the accusations were false and that the viral video had pushed their son into extreme psychological trauma, ultimately leading to his death.
Legal Action and Arrest
Following the family’s complaint, Kerala police registered a case against Shimjitha Musthafa under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to abetment to suicide. After preliminary investigation, she was arrested and taken into custody.
Police officials stated that the arrest was based on the sequence of events, digital evidence, and statements from the victim’s family. Investigators are also examining whether the video violated privacy norms and whether it was shared with malicious intent or negligence regarding its consequences.
Shimjitha later posted a second video defending herself and reiterating her claims. However, this video was also made private after criticism intensified.
Human Rights Commission Steps In
The case has attracted attention beyond law enforcement. The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has ordered a detailed probe into the incident, citing concerns over both women’s safety in public spaces and the growing trend of trial by social media.
Legal experts note that while allegations of sexual harassment must be taken seriously, public shaming without due process can have irreversible consequences. The Commission is expected to examine whether there were failures in institutional mechanisms that forced the matter onto social media instead of lawful complaint channels.
A Larger Debate on Social Media Responsibility
This case has ignited a wider discussion across India about the power and danger of viral content. With smartphones and social platforms enabling instant broadcasting, accusations—whether true or false—can lead to life-altering consequences within hours.
Many commentators argue that social media has increasingly replaced legal systems in delivering “instant justice,” often without verification or investigation. Others stress that women frequently turn to public platforms because of distrust in formal complaint mechanisms.
Mental health professionals have also weighed in, emphasizing the psychological toll of online shaming. Public vilification, especially when sudden and massive, can trigger anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies, particularly when individuals feel there is no way to defend themselves.
Balancing Justice, Safety, and Due Process
The tragedy underscores the need for a balanced approach—one that ensures women feel safe to report harassment while also protecting individuals from irreversible harm caused by unverified public allegations.
Legal experts suggest stronger awareness about proper reporting channels, faster police response to harassment complaints, and clearer guidelines on digital conduct. They also call for responsible content sharing by influencers, whose reach can magnify consequences far beyond intent.
What Lies Ahead
Shimjitha Musthafa remains in custody as investigations continue. Police are expected to analyze call records, online activity, and witness statements to establish whether the actions directly contributed to Deepak’s suicide.
The case is likely to have long-term implications, potentially influencing future laws and guidelines related to social media conduct, digital defamation, and mental health protections.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder that while social media can amplify voices, it can also amplify harm—and that justice, in any society, must walk the careful line between empathy, accountability, and due process.+