Viral video: Indian man dies by suicide after sexual misconduct accusation; what we know
The shocking case of a man in Kerala, India, taking his own life after being accused of sexual misconduct in a viral video has gripped public attention. The woman who posted the video, an influencer named Shimjitha Musthafa, was reportedly arrested on Wednesday, January 21.The viral clip — now deleted from the original account, but copies of which are still being shared online — was meant to highlight the man, who has been identified as Deepak, touching Musthafa inappropriately on a bus in Kerala.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.Here is what we know so far about the case.Original videoThe clip shows Musthafa recording herself and her fellow passengers in a bus. According to Indian media reports, the bus was travelling to Kannur in the south Indian state of Kerala. In the video, the bus is moving and appears to be very crowded, with passengers standing and holding onto the handles attached to the railings above. The uploaded video shows two clips edited together, both of which clearly single out Deepak, who is standing near Musthafa, and whose elbow appears to brush her a couple of times.The influencer reportedly claimed in the video that she was touched by him inappropriately multiple times. The video, which was taken on Friday, January 16, subsequently went viral.Mental distressThe viral video caused extreme mental distress for Deepak, according to news reports. He allegedly felt humiliated and wronged, since had no malicious intent. Manorama reported that a friend said he was going to sue the woman on Saturday night, but was found dead the next morning.Deepak was found hanging from the ceiling fan in his room on Sunday, prompting outrage from his community, who called him an honourable man and demanded justice.Deepak's mother too spoke to the press, expressing her grief and saying that her son was gentle and scared once he learned of the viral video.Online debateAfter news of the suicide broke, many online have called the video "propoganda", accusing Musthafa of framing an innocent man for views and online clout. However, there are some who defend her, saying that she was simply calling out Police investigation and arrestFollowing the outcry, Kerala Police promised to launch an in-depth investigation, according to Indian media reports. The police then charged Musthafa with abetment to suicide.Kerala media said that she had earlier had earlier approached the Kozhikode District Magistrate Court for anticipatory bail but fled after the police registered the case. According to media reports, she was arrested at a relative's house.UAE expat's son dies by suicide after alleged humiliation by teacher in KeralaDubai: 18-year-old Indian student dies suddenly one day after DiwaliDelhi teen's suicide triggers uproar against school teachers' alleged mental abuse
The shocking case of a man in Kerala, India, taking his own life after being accused of sexual misconduct in a viral video has gripped public attention. The woman who posted the video, an influencer named Shimjitha Musthafa, was reportedly arrested on Wednesday, January 21.
The viral clip — now deleted from the original account, but copies of which are still being shared online — was meant to highlight the man, who has been identified as Deepak, touching Musthafa inappropriately on a bus in Kerala.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Here is what we know so far about the case.
Original video
The clip shows Musthafa recording herself and her fellow passengers in a bus. According to Indian media reports, the bus was travelling to Kannur in the south Indian state of Kerala.
In the video, the bus is moving and appears to be very crowded, with passengers standing and holding onto the handles attached to the railings above. The uploaded video shows two clips edited together, both of which clearly single out Deepak, who is standing near Musthafa, and whose elbow appears to brush her a couple of times.
The influencer reportedly claimed in the video that she was touched by him inappropriately multiple times. The video, which was taken on Friday, January 16, subsequently went viral.
Mental distress
The viral video caused extreme mental distress for Deepak, according to news reports. He allegedly felt humiliated and wronged, since had no malicious intent. Manorama reported that a friend said he was going to sue the woman on Saturday night, but was found dead the next morning.
Deepak was found hanging from the ceiling fan in his room on Sunday, prompting outrage from his community, who called him an honourable man and demanded justice.
Deepak's mother too spoke to the press, expressing her grief and saying that her son was gentle and scared once he learned of the viral video.
Online debate
After news of the suicide broke, many online have called the video "propoganda", accusing Musthafa of framing an innocent man for views and online clout.
However, there are some who defend her, saying that she was simply calling out
Police investigation and arrest
Following the outcry, Kerala Police promised to launch an in-depth investigation, according to Indian media reports. The police then charged Musthafa with abetment to suicide.
Kerala media said that she had earlier had earlier approached the Kozhikode District Magistrate Court for anticipatory bail but fled after the police registered the case.
According to media reports, she was arrested at a relative's house.
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