Kerala viral harassment case: Influencer held after accused man’s death; bizarre ‘self-protection’ videos surface, watch

Kerala police have arrested a social media influencer in connection with the death of a man accused of sexual harassment in a viral video, an incident that has snowballed into a broader debate on digital vigilantism. The case has also sparked the circulation of bizarre online videos reflecting fear and mistrust in public spaces.

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The Video That Started It All

The sequence of events began last week when Shimjitha Musthafa (35), a social media content creator from Vadakara, posted a video recorded during a journey on a private bus in Kozhikode district. In the clip, she accused a fellow passenger, Deepak U (42) of Govindapuram, of sexually harassing her.

The video quickly went viral, clocking lakhs of views and triggering widespread outrage, commentary, and online judgment.

From Viral Outrage to Personal Crisis

As the allegation spread across platforms, Deepak reportedly faced intense social pressure. His family later told police that he became visibly distressed in the days following the video’s circulation, withdrew from social interactions, and appeared mentally shaken by the public scrutiny and backlash.

Tragic Death Shocks Family and Public

On January 18, Deepak was found dead in his room at his Kozhikode home. Police and medical authorities confirmed the death as suicide. The incident sent shockwaves through the local community, shifting the narrative from online outrage to a tragic loss of life.

Family Disputes Allegation, Police Step In

Deepak’s family strongly denied the harassment claim, alleging that the viral video presented a misleading version of events. They approached the police, arguing that the public accusation and online shaming pushed him toward suicide. Initially registered as an unnatural death, the case soon took a criminal turn.

Arrest and Legal Grounds

Following the complaint, police registered a case under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, dealing with abetment to suicide. Investigators cited concerns over making serious allegations on social media without first approaching legal authorities. Shimjitha was arrested on January 21 from a relative’s residence in Vatakara after her anticipatory bail plea did not succeed.

Debate Over Digital Trials

The case has intensified discussions across Kerala about the responsible use of social media, the need to protect victims, and the dangers of public trials conducted online. Legal experts have warned that while allegations must be examined seriously, bypassing due process can have irreversible consequences.

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Public Reaction Turns Bizarre

Amid the uproar, social media witnessed a strange trend: videos of men using cartons, wire cages, and thorny sticks to “protect” themselves from physical contact and potential accusations. What began as satire soon reflected a deeper societal anxiety, exposing how fear, mistrust, and online outrage are reshaping everyday behavior.