Kerala Woman Arrested After Man She Accused of Sexual Misconduct Dies by Suicide

 A 35-year-old woman from Kerala has been arrested by police in connection with the suicide of a 42-year-old man she publicly accused of sexual misconduct, officials said this week.

The woman, identified as Shimjitha Musthafa, recorded and shared a video on social media alleging that the man, named Deepak U, had sexually harassed her during a bus journey. The video quickly went viral, gathering widespread attention and criticism online.

Days after the clip circulated, Deepak was found dead by suicide at his home in Govindhapuram early Sunday morning when family members discovered him hanging inside his room. He was reported to have experienced intense stress and social backlash after the accusation spread on social platforms.

Police registered a case against Shimjitha under charges including abetment of suicide, following a formal complaint from the deceased man’s family. Authorities said the viral nature of the video and the subsequent online reactions may have contributed to Deepak’s distress. Shimjitha was taken into custody from a relative’s residence after being sought by law enforcement for several days.

The case has triggered a broader public debate in India about the impact of social media accusations, online shaming, and cyberbullying, especially when serious allegations spread without verification through official channels.

While some people have criticised the woman for allegedly exaggerating or staging the incident, others have discussed the complexities of reporting alleged harassment in the digital age.

Investigators are examining the circumstances of the video’s recording and circulation, including whether proper legal steps were taken before posting it online. The court has remanded Shimjitha to judicial custody as the inquiry continues and authorities assess the evidence related to her role in the case.

Sources: Gulf News, Republic World, NDTV, Hindustan Times,