In Kerala’s Kozhikode, a 42-year-old man named Deepak U has reportedly committed suicide after a woman made a video on board a KSRTC bus. Using a clip where Deepak’s elbow touched her chest in a crowded bus, she accused him of sexual harassment.
As per reports, Deepak lived with his family in the Govindapuram area and worked in a textile company. On Friday, 16 January, he had taken a KSRTC bus, where the woman was also travelling.
"Tragic Kerala story: 41yo Deepak U dies by suicide after Shimjitha Musthafa's viral bus video accused him of inappropriate touch. Family claims he was innocent & it was all for views. Social media can destroy lives 💔
— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) January 18, 2026
pic.twitter.com/UNUdORF509
The viral video shows Deepak standing away from the woman, trying to balance himself by holding the upper part of a seat as the bus shook and rolled on. For the first few seconds, the video has been shot with the woman showing Deepak, who was standing a couple of feet away from her. The next part of the video shows the woman from another angle, where she is standing closer to Deepak, and pointing the camera at how his elbow is moving. Deepak, apparently unaware that a video is being made, continues his position. At one instance, his elbow touches the woman’s chest who was then standing very close to him.
After the video went viral, Deepak was reportedly distressed and told his family and relatives that he had no wrong intentions and his hand touched the woman inadvertently. On the morning of Sunday, Deepak’s parents tried to knock on is door. After there was no response, the family called neighbours to gain entry into the room. Deepak was found hanging.
#SHOCKING : Kerala man dies by suicide after video alleging misbehaviour on bus, woman stands by allegation
— upuknews (@upuknews1) January 19, 2026
U Deepak, a 42-year-old textile firm employee from Kozhikode, died by suicide on Sunday following public allegations of sexual harassment linked to a viral social media… pic.twitter.com/ujTLK1lhEk
The viral video has generated diverse opinions on social media, with many pointing out that Deepak was innocent and the woman intentionally made the video to gain social media attention.
The woman, however, insists that Deepak’s behaviour was intentional, not accidental, and she had posted another video affirming her allegations.
Some activists in Kerala have demanded action against the woman for causing Deepak’s suicide. A police investigation into Deepak’s suicide is underway.
