‘Video killed him’: Kerala woman faces abetment charges after youth ends live over 'harassment' claim; outrage spreads

KOZHIKODE: Police invoked suicide abetment charges against a woman in connection with the death of Govindapuram native U Deepak on Monday, allegedly after a video she posted, accusing him of sexual harassment during a bus journey, went viral on social media. She had filmed Deepak during the bus journey and later shared the video on social media alleging that he had touched her inappropriately during a bus ride at Payyannur.

In a complaint to the district police chief, K Kanyaka said that her son died due to mental trauma after the woman allegedly levelled false allegations. She said murder charges should be invoked against the woman and that she alone is responsible for Deepak’s death. In her complaint, she said Deepak felt deeply humiliated and told her that there was no point in continuing to live.

Although friends and relatives tried to console him, he took the extreme step in a state of acute distress. Kanyaka said she had tried to comfort him when he was extremely upset. Officers from Medical College station recorded the statements of Deepak’s parents on Monday afternoon.

Meanwhile, there are indications that the woman is absconding and police have launched a search to find her. Officers were preparing to visit her and record her statement when they learnt that she was not at home. Police said her phone would be taken into custody to examine whether the video had been edited or manipulated. Police have already collected the visuals she had shared on social media.

Authorities have initiated steps to record the statements of co-passengers on the bus and the vehicle staff. The incident triggered widespread backlash and criticism against the woman, with several complaints filed seeking action.

Taking cognizance of a complaint, state human rights commission (SHRC) directed the North Zone DIG to probe the case. SHRC judicial member K Byjunath directed that the probe report must be submitted within a week. SHRC will take up the case on Feb 19 during its sitting at PWD rest house in Kozhikode.