Kerala: Man Accused of Inappropriate Touching in Viral Video Dies by Suicide; Woman Who Posted Video Arrested
In Kerala, India, a man featured in a viral social media video accusing him of sexual harassment during a bus journey has died by suicide, triggering a major controversy.
Following the incident, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission directed the police to investigate the matter. As a result, police registered a case against the woman who posted the video under sections related to abetment to suicide and arrested her.
The woman had recently uploaded a video on social media claiming that the man visible in it had touched her inappropriately during a bus ride. She alleged that he deliberately violated her personal boundaries and touched her in an improper manner.
The post quickly went viral, drawing widespread criticism and calls for legal action against the man in the video from numerous social media users.
According to police, the man in the video has been identified as Deepak. Following his suicide, a case was registered on a complaint filed by his mother.
Deepak’s friend, Asghar Ali, told BBC: “The next day, I also came across that social media post and shared it with Deepak. Deepak was a decent and respectful person. He could never even think of causing distress to anyone, especially women.”
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has instructed the police to submit a detailed report on the matter within one week.
The case has sparked debates online about the consequences of viral accusations, the impact of social media trials, and the balance between addressing harassment claims and protecting individuals from undue public shaming or pressure.
