Kerala Bus Harassment Case: Influencer Arrested After Man Accused in Viral Video Dies by Suicide

A 35-year-old social media influencer has been arrested in Kerala in connection with a case that drew nationwide attention after a man she accused of sexual harassment died by suicide days later.

The incident dates back to last week, when influencer Shimjitha Musthafa and 42-year-old Deepak U were travelling on the same public bus. Musthafa recorded a video alleging that Deepak had inappropriately touched her during the journey and uploaded the clip to her social media account. The video quickly went viral, amassing over 20 lakh views.

In the video, Musthafa claimed that the act was intentional and not accidental. “This was a clear violation of my sexual boundaries,” she said, adding that she began recording after noticing another woman appeared uncomfortable. She further stated that the man continued his actions despite being aware that he was being filmed.

Two days after the video surfaced online, Deepak was found dead at his residence in Kozhikode. According to his parents, he died by suicide and had been deeply distressed following the public backlash. They stated that their son was innocent, had never faced such allegations before, and had stopped eating for two days, including on his birthday.

“My son could not bear the humiliation,” his mother said, expressing grief and disbelief over the incident.

Following Deepak’s death, Musthafa deleted the original video and later uploaded another clip defending her actions. That video was also subsequently made private.

On Monday, Kerala Police registered a case against the influencer for abetment of suicide and later arrested her. The Kerala State Human Rights Commission also ordered a detailed police investigation and directed the North Zone Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to submit a report within one week.

The case has sparked widespread debate on social media accountability, due process, and the consequences of viral accusations.