A young man in Kozhikode, India, has died by suicide following allegations of sexual harassment made against him on social media. The incident, which began with a viral video posted by a fellow passenger, has quickly ignited a complex debate surrounding online accusations, due process, and the potential for social media to contribute to real-world harm [[1]]. Authorities have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating both the alleged harassment and the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, while a formal complaint has been filed requesting investigation into the woman who posted the video.
Man Dies by Suicide After Social Media Post Alleges Sexual Harassment on Bus
KOZHIKODE, India – A young man in Kozhikode, India, died by suicide following a social media post by a woman alleging he sexually harassed her on a public bus. The incident has sparked a debate about online accountability and the impact of social media accusations, and has led to a complaint seeking legal action against the woman.
Rahul Eeshwar has filed a complaint with the Chief Minister and Director General of Police, requesting that the woman be investigated for allegedly abetting the suicide of Deepak, a resident of Govindapuram in Kozhikode. Eeshwar’s complaint alleges that a viral video shared on social media contributed to Deepak’s death.
Eeshwar is also requesting full legal and financial assistance for Deepak’s family. He argues that the video circulating online is fabricated and that authorities should take immediate action against the woman, considering the facts reported by mainstream media regarding the suicide. As a men’s commission activist, Eeshwar’s team has pledged to provide all necessary legal support to Deepak’s family.
Relatives of Deepak, who worked as a sales manager at a clothing store for seven years, say he had no prior complaints or legal cases filed against him. They state he became severely distressed after the video began circulating on social media. Friends have expressed suspicion that the video was created by the woman to gain attention online.
Kozhikode Medical College Police have registered a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation.
“I Took the Video as Evidence”
The woman who posted the video claims she recorded it after experiencing harassment. She stated that during a bus ride from Payyannur Railway Station to Payyannur Bus Stand, Deepak behaved inappropriately toward another female passenger and then attempted to touch her.
“I was on the bus from Payyannur Railway Station to Payyannur Bus Stand. He was sitting in front of me. I noticed a girl in front of him looking very uncomfortable. I didn’t ask her anything, I just turned on the camera on my phone. I wasn’t recording at first. I stayed calm at the time. Then, when the bus was less crowded and we reached the bus stand, I turned the video on again. As I was getting off, I was behind him, and he was trying to touch my body. You can see that in the video. I moved away once. He repeated the action. Then I asked him, ‘What are you looking at?’ and he quickly walked away. Later, I called a police officer I knew in Vadakara and explained the situation. They asked for his address. I edited the video and posted it, asking anyone with information about him to come forward. I personally didn’t like it at all, but he still tried to touch me. I am saddened to hear about his death,” the woman said.
