A viral video can have real-life consequences, as seen in a tragic incident in Kerala where a man took his own life following online allegations. A 42‑year‑old man from Kozhikode, U Deepak, died by suicide on January 18, 2026, days after a video showing him allegedly misbehaving with a woman on a crowded Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus went viral. Police found him hanging inside his residence at Govindapuram early Sunday morning. Authorities have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating the circumstances surrounding both the video and his death.
The controversy began when a woman, identified as Shimjitha, recorded a video on a bus journey between Payyannur railway station and a bus stop in Kannur district. In the footage, Deepak appears to brush against her in the crowded aisle. She described the act as sexual misconduct and said she recorded it after noticing another woman allegedly made uncomfortable by him. Shimjitha has maintained that her allegations are genuine but expressed regret over Deepak’s death, acknowledging the tragic outcome of the situation.
The video quickly went viral on social media, receiving millions of views and sparking intense discussion online. Deepak’s family strongly denied the allegations, calling them baseless and insisting that the public attention and online scrutiny contributed to his mental stress. They argued that the video was shared more for social media attention than as a genuine complaint about misconduct, describing it as character assassination.
The incident has reignited debates around digital responsibility and the potential harms of online shaming. Legal experts and activists have pointed out that while reporting misconduct is important, public circulation of unverified claims can seriously damage reputations and even push individuals toward extreme actions. Men’s rights activists, including Rahul Easwar, criticised the viral posting and called for safeguards to protect individuals from false allegations.
Police continue to investigate the case, including reviewing the viral video and interviewing both the accuser and witnesses. The inquiry is ongoing, and further legal action is expected as authorities examine the matter in detail.
