In a tragic turn of events in Kozhikode, Kerala, a young sales manager named Deepak took his own life shortly after a woman accused him of sexual harassment on social media. The incident, which unfolded last Friday, has ignited fierce debate over the perils of viral accusations and their devastating impact.
Deepak was traveling on a crowded private bus for work when the woman claimed he inappropriately touched her. She recorded a video inside the bus and posted it online, where it rapidly went viral within hours. Friends and family insist Deepak was innocent, repeatedly protesting his innocence before his death. The overwhelming online backlash plunged him into severe mental distress, culminating in his suicide at his home near Kozhikode, discovered by his parents.
The family is now demanding strict legal action against the accuser. ‘We will go to any lengths for justice,’ they declared, filing complaints including a petition to the Police Chief seeking charges of abetment to suicide. Relatives emphasize Deepak had no history of misconduct or substance abuse; the public shaming alone shattered him.
Police have accelerated their probe, recording statements from the woman, bus staff, and fellow passengers. Questions swirl around why she opted for social media over immediate police complaint. Intriguingly, post-suicide, she reportedly deleted the video and posts from her accounts, fueling suspicions.
Initial findings hint at lapses on both sides, though investigators stress the inquiry is preliminary. The woman stands by her allegations, claiming she informed police and that Deepak fled upon noticing the recording. This case underscores the double-edged sword of social media in harassment claims, where rushed judgments can destroy lives before facts emerge.
As protests mount, the family vows relentless pursuit of truth, calling for safeguards against misuse of public platforms. The nation watches closely, hoping for accountability in this heart-wrenching saga.